Drug and gambling problems took the NBA player deep.
Rex Chapman was hooked after a routine procedure. PDO
Former NBA player Rex Chapman, 56, talks openly about his drug and gambling addiction. Chapman estimates that he has lost almost his entire career’s fortune to gambling – $40 million.
– My problem was pride. Many professional athletes are stubborn. I didn’t want to contact anyone to ask for help, says the former basketball player According to CNN in his recent book It’s Hard for Me to Live with Me.
Chapman suffered from anxiety and panic attacks before his addictions. He threw up before every match he played.
The drug problem started with a routine procedure, when the NBA star was prescribed opioids for pain. Hooked, Chapman took 50 painkillers a day at worst. He crashed under the influence of drugs and woke up in a ditch.
– One day, the medicines will start telling you when to take them, and not the other way around. Feel like you need them. At that point, it’s really fun.
Arrested
Chapman feels he hit rock bottom in 2014, when he was arrested for panhandling.
The former top player went through rehab three times before getting dry. Family and friends were supportive throughout the process.
– When I got dry, many people gave me new opportunities. My family, my parents, my cousins and my childhood friends. I am lucky. For many addicts, the situation is not that good, the ex-player tells CNN.
Chapman believes that elite sports and addictions go hand in hand.
– Most people who do something great have sacrificed a little of their sanity to get to that point.
Chapman was drafted into the NBA in the first round in 1988. During 12 years, he represented the Charlotte Hornets, Washington Bullets, Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns.
The ex-player has four children.