Shaquille O’Neal Questions Painkiller Addiction, Reveals Family Secrecy

Shaquille O'Neal recently discussed his use of painkillers during his NBA career in a candid interview on the Armchair Expert podcast with Dax Shepard. O'Neal questioned whether his use constituted addiction, noting he never felt a 'high' but rather relief from pain, a distinction that sparked a debate about the nature of addiction including preoccupation with a substance beyond chemical effects. While acknowledging he took more pills than prescribed, partly due to his large size, O'Neal insisted he was not mentally dependent, though he admitted hiding his usage from his family while the Lakers' training staff was aware. He reflected on the physical demands of professional basketball requiring him to perform at a high level despite injuries, which contributed to his reliance on painkillers. O'Neal also revealed ongoing health concerns, including sleep apnea diagnosed years after his retirement, which he discussed in a 2022 GQ interview. His openness sheds light on the complex relationship athletes have with pain management and the challenges of distinguishing addiction from medical necessity.