Years After It Almost Took His Life, “Relapse Specialist” Mike Tyson Opens Up About His Coke and Alcohol Addictions

Mike Tyson has been through various ups and downs throughout his life. However, one of the biggest challenges in his life was the one against drugs and alcohol. Back in August 2013, the former world champion told ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” that he was close to dying because he was a “vicious alcoholic.” Tyson even got into trouble because of his addiction.

After his retirement from the sport in 2007, Mike was arrested and sentenced to 24 hours in prison and 15 days of community service for drug possession and driving while intoxicated. While appearing at the VAULT Conference for an interview with Patrick Bet-David, Mike shed light on his battle outside the ring against cocaine and alcohol. 

Mike Tyson claims he did not get high for seven years

Speaking to Patrick, Tyson revealed he was addicted to cocaine and drinking alcohol. However, he stopped doing that and has remained sober for seven years. Further emphasizing the severity of his addiction to the substances, Mike claimed initially, he had a hard time staying sober and would start doing it before anyone got to know. 

“I forgot to tell you I was a coke addict and an alcoholic, too. So, all that stuff when I…for seven years, I didn’t get high, didn’t drink liquor, and listen, you couldn’t…I was a relapse specialist. Man, I would relapse before the guard got the news. Man, no, that’s real talk,” Mike told Patrick. While Mike, 57, leads a healthy life today, that wasn’t the case when he was 47. 

‘Iron’ Mike asks for forgiveness

Back in August 2013, Mike Tyson appeared in the Argenis Mendez vs. Arash Usmanee post-fight press conference. Back then, Tyson was a boxing promoter, but during the conference, Tyson claimed he was nearing his demise due to drug addiction. He acknowledged the fact that he had become a drug abuser and hoped to kick the habit. 

“I want to live my sober life. I don’t want to die. I’m on the verge of dying because I’m a vicious alcoholic,” Mike told Friday Night Fights from ESPN. He asked for forgiveness for his actions while claiming he was a bad person who had done bad things. “I’m a bad guy sometimes. I did a lot of bad things. I want to be forgiven,” lamented Mike. 

Also Read: Years After Admitting Banned Substances Consumption and Cheating on Drug Tests, Mike Tyson Makes Regretful Confession

Mike is no stranger to drugs and alcohol. He has fought his fair share of battles against these harmful substances. As of now, he is living the life of a model citizen and is even is role model of recovering addicts.

What do you think about Mike’s revelation here? Tell us in the comments below. 

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