Lamar Odom checks into rehab for drug and alcohol abuse
Two sources confirmed to People that Lamar Odom has voluntarily checked into drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
“He realized he needs help,” a source told the magazine.
Reports of Lamar’s drug abuse broke late last month when the NBA star reported went on a three-day drug binge. Lamar returned to his house with wife Khloe Kardashian, but was arrested the following Friday for driving under the influence.
Although it was publicized by the Kardashians, Lamar dealt with drug problems in the early 2000s. During his 2001 season with the Los Angeles Clippers, Lamar tested positive for marijuana during two screenings. He was subsequently suspended for five games.
“I chose to experiment with marijuana, that’s why I’m here right now,” Lamar tearfully admitted during a November 2001 press conference. “I’ll be receiving counseling, that’s not rehab.”
Two years later, Lamar admitted his problem was more serious than previously believed.
“I just couldn’t control myself in L.A.,” he said in 2003. “The lifestyle that I was living and the things I had access to… A lot of times I’d think about it and say, “Damn, am I fighting my father’s demons…'”
Sources report that Lamar checked into rehab at his wife’s behest last August. However, it was against his will and he withdrew from the program against doctors’ suggestions after three weeks. Hopefully Lamar is more committed to recovery this time around.
