Following second DUI, Michael Phelps announces he is going to rehab

Following his arrest last week for driving under the influence, excessive speeding and crossing double lane lines, Olympian Michael Phelps announced he is seeking help — and not just of the legal variety.

“The past few days have been extremely difficult,” Michael said on Twitter on Sunday. “I recognize that this is not my first lapse in judgment, and I am extremely disappointed with myself.”

The 29-year-old was previously arrested for driving under the influence at the age of 19. He also faced public backlash in 2009 after a picture was published of him smoking out of a bong.

“I’m going to take some time away to attend a program that will provide the help I need to better understand myself,” he continued. “Swimming is a major part of my life, but right now I need to focus my attention on me as an individual, and do the necessary work to learn from this experience and make better decisions in the future.”

After his arrest in Baltimore last week, Michael issued a public apology and said he wanted to take full responsibility. It sounds like seeking treatment is a good first step in the right direction.