“I Fell Apart”: Ric Flair Recalls Painful Details of His Dependency on Anti-Depressants

Insecurity can creep into anyone, anytime, in any form. Money, status, fame, and position can do nothing against this chaotic state of mind. Especially when it comes to WWE, high-profile superstars are even more prone to fall victim to this dangerous phycological disorder.

No matter how ridiculous it sounds, the revered superheroes also have their fair share of mental stress and anxiety due to the hectic work culture they have to undergo throughout their entire career. Two-time Hall of Famer Ric Flair is not an exception to this.

The unmatched phenom enjoyed a decorative four decades-long career in the history of pro wrestling. Fans arguably consider Flair the greatest wrestler of all time. Before stepping into WWF, The 16-time world champion made an infamous departure from WCW in 1991 following some heated issues with the then WCW Executive Vice President Jim Herd. To cope with his deteriorating mental health, Flair resorted to relying on consuming Xanax as a means of escape.

Ric Flair chose Xanax as a coping mechanism against his insecurities

Herd was quite known for some of his ferocious acts during his time in WCW. One of them marked his offensive demands to the Nature Boy’s in-ring gimmick. The mistreatment and humiliation he suffered left Flair mentally unstable. Moreover, the pressure forced him to take an anti-depressant, Xanax for temporary relief.

During a recent interview with Crackup Clips, Flair admitted falling into the trap of big insecurity back then. Describing his unsteady position, Flair noted, ‘I had a real self-confidence issue… Different promoters have different feelings about my position with the company and in life… I fell apart. I just once got to the WWE, I quit taking it but that time I had with WCW. This guy (Jim Herd) wanted me to cut my hair… I did cut my hair in North Korea… but I was cracked by then. I went from being the world champion, you know, this guy that ran Pizza Hut.’

When the host asked him if that was the first time he relied upon the infamous anti-anxiety drug Xanax, the Nature Boy affirmed yes.

Read more: Speaking to Joe Rogan, WWE Legend Ric Flair Heaps Praise on the “Tough” Paul Brothers – “Take Nothing Away From Them”

For those unaware of the drug named Xanax, it’s pertinent to note that medical personnel suggests the medication for treating anxiety, depression, and related mental health conditions. But consuming it without a doctor’s consultation can prove to be fatal in the long run, something the 73-year-old star is better aware of as he lost a close family member to drugs.

A massive tragedy affected the Flair family

Tragedy struck the Flair family and the entire wrestling world as well when Ric Flair’s son Reid Flair was found dead in a hotel room surrounded by paraphernalia back in 2013. The 25-year-old was earmarked to uphold his family legacy, but unfortunately, life-threatening drugs got in his way and put an end to plans before it got started.

According to several reports, he took Xanax and Clonazepam drug at the time of his death. However, his autopsy report blamed the overuse of heroin and some other prescription drugs for his death. Whatever the case, drug involvement is very much evident behind Reid’s untimely demise.

However, Flair has now given up on his dependency on Xanax. Are you a fan of Ric Flair? What is your take on Flair’s drug addiction back in his heyday? Let us know in the comments below.

Watch This Story: GSP Offered By WWE