Michael Phelps: Olympian Ready for Rehab
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Earlier last week I wrote an article about how Michael Phelps was again finding himself under fire for another one of his exploits related to substance abuse, which has gotten him a lot of media attention over the past several days. After being charged with his second DUI in 10 years the American swimmer and 18 time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps has decided it’s time to check himself into rehab. Phelps made a public statement expressing his desire to seek help for his substance abuse in a series of tweets this past Sunday.
“I recognize that this is not my first lapse in judgment, and I am extremely disappointed with myself,” he wrote. “I’m going to take some time away to attend a program that will provide the help I need to better understand myself.”
Late Tuesday morning of last week, September 30th 2014 Phelps was pulled over after being clocked doing 84 mph in a 45 mph zone in Baltimore, Maryland. He was pulled over in his white Land Rover around 1:40 am and the officer on the scene noticed right away that he was “under the influence,” according to the police report when he was arrested for drunk driving. It was stated in some of the earliest media reports that he supposedly bombed his field sobriety test, and was in no shape to be behind the wheel at all.
A few days later is was publicly confirmed that Phelps had blew a .14 on a breathalyzer, which is almost twice the legal limit. According to recent reports, Michael Phelps had been on an eight-hour gambling binge the night of the incident. Obviously poker was not the only binge he went on that day, joining the list of stars to recklessly drive under the influence.
Given the nature of Phelp’s situation and the fact that he has been in trouble before for drunk driving, as well as earned plenty of media attention for the ‘water pipe’ pictures of him holding a bong typically used for smoking marijuana or tobacco after getting noticed for his Olympic accomplishments, we can only hope that he takes his time in rehab seriously. Hopefully Phelps does what is necessary for his future, and takes into account the lives at risk driving drunk. If he truly wants his recovery, he undoubtedly has the determination to get it based on his award winner track record.
Recovery from drugs and alcohol doesn’t take an Olympic athlete life-style, but sobriety is far beyond any gold medal for most addicts and alcoholics who know the reality of active addiction, and the impact it can have on the things you love most. If you or someone you loves is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, please call toll-free 1-800-777-9588