Retired NBA Legend Lamar Odom has been open about his first encounter with drugs at the tender age of 12. In 2015, he faced a terrifying moment when he was found unresponsive at a Las Vegas venue, having suffered 12 seizures, six strokes, and two heart-stopping incidents. Today, Lamar is sharing his inspiring journey of how a synthetic drug helped him conquer addiction. At 41, after being treated with small doses of ketamine for the previous two years under medical supervision, Odom has said this has been the key to his sobriety. "I went to rehab and tried other things, but ketamine entered my life at the perfect moment," Odom revealed to ABC News' Steve Osunsami in a heartfelt interview on "Good Morning America".
Ketamine, a pain medication with hallucinogenic effects, was approved as a rapid-acting anesthetic by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) back in the 1970s, and became a popular club drug by the 1980s. But today, health officials are discovering the potential of small doses of ketamine to help people struggling with a variety of issues, from addiction and anxiety to PTSD, suicidal feelings, and other mental health challenges that haven't responded well to traditional treatments.
"I feel absolutely amazing. I'm alive. I'm sober. I'm happy," he shared with a sense of gratitude. He credits the hour long sessions of small doses of ketamine to freeing him from the desire to use drugs like cocaine. "I don't wake up looking to do lines or waking up in a dark place or feeling unfulfilled," the former Los Angeles Lakers star expressed to Osunsami. "When Kobe [Bryant] passed away, the old Lamar would've found every excuse to get high, but doing drugs didn't even cross my mind."
The FDA has classified the use of ketamine for mental health conditions as an "off-label use" and has approved a ketamine nasal spray to help combat treatment-resistant depression. Doctors emphasize that ketamine therapy should be carefully monitored by a licensed professional and used in conjunction with other treatments, like meditation. As researchers continue to explore how ketamine affects the brain, studies suggest that the treatment might help people find relief from emotional pain tied to past traumas.
Lamar's transformative journey with ketamine treatment is showcased in a new documentary, "Lamar Odom Reborn," premiering this month on YouTube, MTV Live, and other social media platforms. Lamar hopes his story will encourage Black men, in particular, to prioritize mental health and share their own experiences with ketamine. "I don't think I will stop it," he said of the drug. "I wouldn't want to try to stop being great. If I have greatness inside of me, I want to try to bring it out."
Lamar is now embarking on a new path of healing with the aid of medicinal marijuana. Embracing a holistic approach to wellness, Lamar has found solace and balance through the mindful use of this natural remedy, allowing him to continue on his transformative journey towards self-discovery and inner peace. With an open heart and a resilient spirit, Lamar's inspiring story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the boundless potential of the human spirit to rise above adversity. Life has led him to open a full fledged business in the cannabis realm, Odom Cannabis.
In my latest episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with the legend and talk more about his business venture into cannabis and the rehabilitation wellness center he just opened up in San Diego, Odom Wellness Treatment Centers. Lamars hopes with his unique rehabilitation approach he will make an impact on others and fulfill his life’s true purpose. Through my last 3 years of having real conversations with hundreds of guests, that seems to be the secret sauce, helping others. I got to try his cereal milk strain and he approved of my apricot mimosa! Check out more of Odom’s brand here: https://odomcannabis.com.
Click photo for a sneak peek! Full episode available at https://www.fadedtruth.com/episodes
