Former NBA star Lamar Odom has entered a residential rehabilitation program following a recent DUI arrest, according to people familiar with the matter. The move comes as Odom publicly acknowledges an ongoing struggle with marijuana addiction and the need for structured treatment.
Odom, 45, was arrested earlier this month after police stopped his vehicle in Los Angeles. Authorities said officers observed erratic driving before initiating the traffic stop. No injuries were reported in the incident.
In a statement shared with several media outlets, Odom said he chose rehab as “a necessary step toward accountability and long-term health.”
“I’m not proud of the situation, but I am proud of the decision to get help,” Odom said. “This is about my life, my clarity and my future.”
Law enforcement officials said Odom cooperated with officers at the scene. Toxicology results are pending, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
A Pattern of Recovery and Relapse
Odom’s decision to seek treatment follows years of highly publicized struggles with substance use and recovery. He has previously spoken about addiction, near-fatal health crises and the pressure of life after professional sports.
“This isn’t my first time facing myself,” Odom said in a separate statement released through his representatives. “Recovery is not a straight line, and I accept that.”
Friends close to Odom said the decision to enter rehab was made within days of the arrest. One person familiar with the situation said Odom wanted to act quickly to avoid repeating past mistakes.
“He knows the cost of waiting,” the person said. “He wanted to take control before things spiraled.”
Medical experts note that marijuana dependency, while often minimized, can have serious impacts. These include impaired judgment, anxiety and decreased motivation.
“Addiction doesn’t discriminate by fame or success,” said Dr. Alan Reeves, an addiction specialist not involved in Odom’s care. “Seeking treatment early can significantly improve outcomes.”
Since retiring from the NBA, Odom has pursued business ventures, media appearances and advocacy around mental health. He has often described the transition out of professional sports as disorienting.
“When basketball ended, I lost structure,” Odom said in a past interview. “That’s when unhealthy habits found space.”
Odom’s representatives said he plans to remain in treatment for several weeks. He is expected to focus on therapy, wellness routines and relapse prevention planning.
Legal proceedings related to the DUI are ongoing. No court date has been publicly announced.
Despite the setback, Odom expressed cautious optimism.
“I still believe in growth,” he said. “I’m doing the work, one day at a time.”
Those close to Odom said he hopes his actions encourage others to seek help.
“If my story helps one person choose recovery,” Odom said, “then this moment means something.”