Athletes Living In Addiction Recovery

Between living in the public eye and constantly pushing their physical limits, famous athletes face a variety of stressors. Some try to manage their stress by abusing drugs, and this behavior can ultimately lead to drug addiction. 

Addiction is a chronic disease, which means recovery is a lifelong process. Here are some of the most well-known athletes living in addiction recovery.

Andre Agassi

In 1997, former champion tennis player Andre Agassi started using crystal meth to self-medicate his depression. The highly addictive drug almost sabotaged his career. Luckly, Agassi sought treatment for his addiction and has been sober for many years. 

Miguel Cabrera

Major League Baseball (MLB) star Miguel Cabrera attended rehab for alcohol addiction (also called alcohol use disorder) in 2010. Like many people with addiction, he has experienced several relapses. However, he remains committed to his recovery. 

Cris Carter

Former National Football League (NFL) wide receiver Cris Carter struggled with cocaine and alcohol addiction at the start of his career in the early 1990s. He started working with a substance abuse counselor and has now celebrated over 30 years of sobriety. 

John Daly

Former champion golfer John Daly has lived with alcohol addiction for decades. In 2008, police took him into custody after finding him drunk outside a restaurant. This incident motivated Daly to go back to rehab and commit to recovery.

Brett Favre

In 1996, NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre sought treatment for his addictions to alcohol and Vicodin. After a few relapses, he has now been sober for more than 20 years.

Dwight Gooden

In 1999, former MLB star Dwight Gooden openly discussed his addictions to alcohol and cocaine. Since then, he has attended rehab and relapsed multiple times. He continues to work hard toward recovery. 

Josh Hamilton

Former MLB star Josh Hamilton has struggled with alcohol and cocaine for many years. He first entered rehab in 2002. Over the years, he has relapsed several times but still strives for sobriety. 

Jason Kidd

In 2012, former National Basketball Association (NBA) star Jason Kidd was arrested for drunk driving. The incident led him to seek addiction treatment. He has since maintained his sobriety and become an NBA coach.

Todd Marinovich

As a child and teenager, former NFL star Todd Marinovich suffered severe abuse at the hands of his father. To cope, he turned to drugs. He then developed an addiction that led to multiple drug-related arrests. He now works as an artist and strives to maintain his recovery.

Joe Namath

Former NFL star Joe Namath started drinking alcohol in his 20s. Over time, he became addicted to it. In 2003, he went to rehab after an embarrassing incident in which he appeared drunk on live TV. He has remained sober since. 

Lamar Odom

Former NBA star Lamar Odom developed a cocaine addiction after trying the drug in 2004. In 2015, he suffered a life-threatening overdose that led him to rehab. He has now achieved seven years of sobriety.

Michael Phelps

The most decorated Olympian of all time, Michael Phelps received his first DUI in 2004 at age 19. He received his second DUI in 2014, which led him to finally seek treatment for his alcohol addiction. He also started attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings to help him stay sober.

Dennis Rodman

Former NBA star Dennis Rodman has struggled with alcohol addiction for many years. His recovery journey has included multiple relapses and alcohol-related arrests. Through it all, he has remained open about his issues and recovery goals. 

C.C. Sabathia

Former MLB star C.C. Sabathia has battled alcohol addiction for most of his career. In 2015, he had to leave the Yankees to attend rehab. Since then, he has worked hard to maintain his recovery and spread awareness about alcohol addiction. 

Darryl Strawberry

Throughout his 17-year career, former MLB star Darryl Strawberry struggled with cocaine and alcohol addiction. His substance abuse caused him to be suspended by MLB three times. After multiple rehab stays, he has now been sober for over a decade.

Mike Tyson

Former champion boxer Mike Tyson first tried cocaine at age 11. He has since struggled with various forms of drug abuse. Although he has relapsed multiple times, he continues to work toward his recovery. 

Darren Waller

In 2017, NFL star Darren Waller overdosed on a pill laced with fentanyl, which is an extremely powerful and deadly opioid. The experience led him to attend rehab, and he has remained sober since. In 2019, he started the Darren Waller Foundation to help young people recover from addiction.

Tiger Woods

Champion golfer Tiger Woods has been addicted to prescription painkillers for decades. In 2017, he received a DUI charge involving several prescription drugs and entered rehab. He continues to strive for recovery. 

If you or someone you love struggles with drug use, please reach out to an Ark Behavioral Health specialist. Our inpatient and outpatient treatment programs offer medical detox, mental health counseling, and other services to help you or your loved one stay drug-free.