Shaquille O’Neal’s reflection on painkillers: “Am I addicted?”

Shaquille O’Neal Frankly speaking, his use of painkillers.

The episode that appears on Monday, August 11 “Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert” podcastThe former professional basketball player questioned whether he was addicted to painkillers despite his doctor’s concerns.

“So, I have a question,” O’Neal, 53, answered after being asked if he was worried about addiction. “Is it ‘addiction’ chemical effect or are you just accepting it? I’m having a heated discussion with the doctor, such as ‘You’re addicted,’ but I don’t feel very high.”

Shepard, 50, pointed out that while O’Neal may not be “high”, he may “just feel no pain.”

“Yes. I don’t know that’s addiction,” O’Neal replied.

Former NBA star Explained that he felt he “needed to perform well” rather than simply “good”, which is one of the reasons why he chose to take painkillers regularly.

“I don’t think I’m suffering mentally,” he said. “I think if I had a knack, I would choose it because I don’t want to feel that knack because we need this game.”

O’Neal added: “You hear the story…’Oh, he’s addicted.’I’m not that, but I have to have them – is that kind of addiction too?”

The retired athlete has previously opened up about his painkiller use and Other health difficulties During an interview GQ Magazine in 2022.

“When you play, do you go to the doctor for a check-up and a physical examination? He told the media.

“So when I go back to see a doctor, there are something I never knew. They give you some of those words: ‘Hey, you have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure or stroke, and you can die.” I said, “What?” “You can die.” So now I have to sleep on a sleep machine. ”

He added that painkillers and their negative effects on the body also emerged during the appointment of doctors, which is a concern.

“And then, ‘All the painkillers to take, brother? Your kidneys are a little weak. There are no more painkillers.'” O’Neal said. “I rely on painkillers – not addicted. Some days I can’t move, I just popped up a little or two just to let me go. But I’m leaving now.”

If you or someone you know is working to abuse substances, please contact SUBSTANCE Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Hotline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).