Shaquille O’Neal, the legendary Los Angeles Lakers center, has opened up about his long battle with painkiller addiction, shedding light on the emotional and physical toll it took during his illustrious 19-year NBA career. In a candid conversation on the podcast “Armchair Expert” with Dax Shepard, O’Neal discussed the thin line between therapeutic use and addiction, revealing the complexities of managing chronic injuries while striving for peak performance.
Throughout his career, O’Neal faced serious physical pain, which he managed with a heavy reliance on painkillers. He previously touched on this issue in the 2022 HBO docuseries “Shaq,” but his recent remarks provided a deeper insight into the scale of his consumption. O’Neal admitted to frequently exceeding prescribed doses of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Indocin, which he used to alleviate pain and maintain his competitive edge on the court.
Reflecting on his experience, O’Neal recalled discussions with his doctors where he was confronted with the reality of his addiction. “I was having a heated discussion with my doctors like, ‘You were addicted,'” he shared. “But I didn’t feel high. So, I didn’t know that was addiction.” This misconception highlights the often-overlooked nuances of addiction, particularly in the context of professional sports where performance pressures can lead athletes to prioritize immediate results over their long-term health.
When asked if his painkiller use extended to managing emotional or mental stress, O’Neal clarified that his regimen was strictly physical. His primary focus was on relieving pain to ensure he could perform at his best. “See, I don’t think I was suffering mentally,” he explained. “If I had a knack, I would take it. I don’t want to feel that knack because we need this game. … And then, I always do homeboy math. Oh, it says ‘take one,’ I’m taking three.”
O’Neal described how medication became a habitual part of his daily routine, akin to eating. During the NBA season, he relied on consistent dosages to manage his pain, while the offseason provided a brief reprieve for his body. “I had to take a club sandwich, fries, two pills … for 19 years, but in the summer, I wouldn’t take it,” he said. This approach, while effective in achieving remarkable success—including four NBA championships and an MVP award in 2000—came at a significant cost to his health.
Years of heavy NSAID use have resulted in lasting damage to O’Neal’s liver and kidneys, issues he continues to confront. “Now my counts are low. I’m fixing everything now, but the liver and kidneys [are] real low because of that,” he noted. Despite the serious health risks, O’Neal never faced suspension or penalties for drug use during his career, a reality that underscores the often hidden struggles athletes face behind the scenes.
O’Neal’s story serves as a cautionary tale for current and future professional athletes. The immense pressures of elite competition can lead players to make decisions that prioritize short-term performance over long-term well-being. His reflections highlight the challenges of balancing competitive success with personal health, illustrating that the pursuit of excellence often comes with significant physical sacrifices.
For younger players entering the league, O’Neal’s experience offers both a warning and a valuable lesson about the importance of health management while striving for professional success. As the landscape of professional sports evolves, it becomes increasingly critical for athletes to prioritize their well-being and seek help when needed, ensuring that their pursuit of greatness does not come at the expense of their health.
As the NBA continues to grow in popularity, stories like O’Neal’s remind fans and aspiring athletes alike of the human side of the game and the often unseen challenges that come with being a professional athlete. The legacy of Shaquille O’Neal extends beyond his on-court achievements; it now includes a vital conversation about addiction, health, and the importance of self-care in the pursuit of excellence.