What to Know About Lamar Odom’s History of Addiction and Ongoing Recovery

**Lamar Odom Opens Up About His Battle with Addiction in New Documentary**

Lamar Odom, the former NBA star best known for his time with the Los Angeles Lakers and his marriage to reality television personality Khloé Kardashian, has candidly discussed his ongoing struggles with addiction in his latest documentary, *Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom*. This revealing film debuted on Netflix on March 31, 2026, and delves into the tumultuous path Odom has faced over the past decade.

Odom’s journey with addiction has been fraught with challenges since he first entered the public eye. The former basketball player, who was married to Kardashian from 2009 until their divorce in 2016, has battled substance misuse for many years. One of the most harrowing moments of his life came in October 2015, when he suffered a near-fatal overdose after consuming cocaine, alcohol, and cannabis in a Las Vegas brothel. The incident left him in a coma for several days, and upon awakening, he was greeted by Kardashian and family members who had been anxiously waiting by his bedside.

Reflecting on that fateful overdose, Odom recounted the chilling physical and emotional toll it took on him in his 2019 memoir, *Darkness to Light*. He revealed that during the crisis, his heart stopped twice, and he suffered multiple strokes and seizures. “My lungs collapsed and my kidneys ruptured. I was on life support,” he wrote, emphasising the gravity of his situation and the realisation that he needed to change his life.

His recovery, however, has not been a straightforward path. In the wake of the overdose, he claimed to have quit drugs, stating that the experience made him realise how harmful his lifestyle had been. In December 2015, he entered a rehabilitation programme that he completed by January 2017. Yet, struggles persisted, as Odom collapsed at a nightclub in November 2017, reportedly due to dehydration after an intense workout. By 2018, he had opened up about relapsing into his former addiction to crack cocaine, prompting him to explore cannabis as a means of recovery.

In recent years, Odom has taken steps toward recovery in various ways. During a 2021 interview with *Good Morning America*, he discussed his use of ketamine under medical supervision as a treatment for his addiction. He expressed positivity about his situation, declaring, “I’m alive. I’m sober. I’m happy,” and indicating that he felt the drug had significantly aided his recovery.

Despite his efforts, Odom once again found himself grappling with addiction early in 2026, leading to a DUI arrest in January. Upon reflection, he made an important decision to enter a 30-day rehabilitation programme focused on his cannabis use. According to his manager, Gina Rodriguez, this move was made to prevent potential relapses into more dangerous substances. Odom acknowledged the importance of taking these proactive steps for his health, affirming his commitment to a renewed and healthier lifestyle.

In the new documentary, Odom and Kardashian open up about their shared experiences with his addiction. Kardashian, who witnessed Odom’s struggles first-hand, described the chaos often surrounding him. “I was either looking for him in alleys, looking for him in motels,” she recounted, revealing that Odom would sometimes engage in risky behaviours associated with his drug use, including freebasing cocaine. She expressed regret over being an unknowing enabler, remarking on her attempts to protect him while grappling with the toll it took on her own mental health.

As the couple reflects on their tumultuous past, Odom has shared that he was nearly 60 days sober as of January 2026. “No pot, no alcohol,” he explained, highlighting the significance of overcoming cannabis addiction as one of his greatest challenges. Both he and Kardashian have taken the opportunity through the documentary to raise awareness about addiction and the complexities of recovery, offering insights into the struggles many face.

Through *Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom*, the former basketball star hopes to inspire others battling similar issues and to shed light on the often-hidden struggles associated with addiction. His journey underscores the importance of seeking help and taking ownership of one’s health.

For anyone struggling with addiction, resources are readily available. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) helpline can offer support and guidance for individuals seeking recovery. The ongoing narrative of Lamar Odom serves as a stark reminder that recovery is a journey, often fraught with challenges, yet possible with support and determination.