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Looking Back at the Wild Ride of Michael Phelps | Alcohol and Drugs

Looking Back at the Wild Ride of Michael Phelps | Alcohol and Drugs

Table of Contents

Sometimes, the thrill of alcohol and drugs can bring a person to their lowest point, leaving them questioning their purpose in life.

Take it from Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps, whose struggles with alcohol and drug use almost derailed his life. Recently, Phelps spoke at the Kennedy Forum—a leading mental health and behavioral health organization—highlighting that those who suffer from depression, like him, often grapple with suicidal thoughts.

Thankfully, the 28-time Olympic champion found his way back, but it wasn’t easy. Let’s revisit Michael Phelps’ turbulent journey with drugs, alcohol, and mental health.


Self-Medicating with Substances

Phelps describes his journey to becoming a champion as one filled with relentless hard work, grit, and resilience. As he rose through the ranks, he was initially overjoyed by his Olympic potential. But his confidence took a significant hit after narrowly missing a medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics by half a second. He recalls that the intense pressure to succeed and to bring home gold weighed heavily on him.

In 2004, Michael Phelps entered a period of severe depression and turned to self-medicating with drugs and alcohol. That same year, he was arrested for a DUI—a low point that he now recognizes as part of his struggle with mental health. Phelps openly discusses how substances served as a temporary mask, allowing him to bury his sadness and disappointment.

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Facing the Reality of Mental Health

In his interview, Phelps shared that his first treatment experience was intimidating. He was uncertain about what recovery would entail and admits that facing his reality was scarier than the numbing effects of alcohol and drugs. During his early treatment sessions, he was encouraged to talk openly about his feelings—a process he describes as grounding and eye-opening.

Since that time, Phelps has become an advocate for mental health awareness, emphasizing the importance of speaking openly about mental health struggles, no matter how big or small. According to the CDC, depression affects over 8.4% of adults in the United States annually, underscoring the significance of seeking help and support.


Treatment for Drug Addiction and Alcoholism

Many well-known individuals, like Phelps, have faced severe struggles with addiction and mental health, often leading to publicized, life-threatening moments. Substance use can affect anyone at any time, and what starts as a coping mechanism can quickly spiral out of control.

However, recovery is possible with the right blend of determination, support, and professional help. Through effective treatment, individuals can regain control over their lives and prioritize their mental and physical well-being.

If you, a friend, or a loved one is dealing with addiction or mental health issues, Asana Recovery is here to help. Our team of compassionate therapists and medical professionals is dedicated to guiding you through every step of withdrawal, detox, and recovery. We believe that with the proper support, recovery is within reach.


Learn More About Our Programs

At Asana Recovery, we offer a range of treatment options designed to support you on your journey to recovery. Our residential treatment programs and supervised detox options provide a safe and structured environment for healing.

For those interested in exploring these programs, contact us at (949)-763-3440 to discuss how we can support your path to mental wellness and substance-free living.

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We get it. Addiction recovery is tough. That’s why our programs are founded and staffed by people in recovery – people who truly understand.

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Take your first step towards lasting recovery. At Asana, we offer effective, insurance-covered treatment for addiction and mental health, guided by experts who understand because they’ve been there. Start your healing today.

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