Shaquille O’Neal stands as one of the most recognized legends of the NBA. However, his career was far from easy, as the treatment for his injuries eventually damaged his body.
The former Los Angeles Lakers star remained at the top of the game, but to do so he relied on painkillers and anti-inflammatories that turned into an addiction. He only spoke about it recently, admitting that he didn’t even realize what was happening.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the constant use of medication left serious physical consequences, especially for his liver and kidneys.
Dependence on medication to play
O’Neal admitted he abused the drugs: “If the prescription said one, I took three.” He consumed opioids like oxycodone and anti-inflammatories like indomethacin. Both allowed him to handle injury pain while competing on the court.
One of the most striking confessions is that he did this for 19 years without his family knowing. None of his relatives noticed, but the team doctors were aware.
“I had a club sandwich, fries, and two pills for dinner. And I did that for 19 years,” said the NBA legend. He also recalled arguing with doctors who warned him about the risk of addiction. He denied it at the time because he claimed he didn’t feel any unusual effects.
Shaquille O’Neal 2000 Finals MVP Tape:
38.0 PPG
16.7 RPG
1.0 SPG
2.7 BPG
57.6% TS (+6.7% rTS) pic.twitter.com/COy1oUP2ru— Pitless (@pitlessball) August 18, 2025
But his body eventually suffered. He developed liver complications, kidney failure, and stomach pain. Today, he cannot take large doses of medication when he gets sick.
O’Neal also remembered when he allegedly tested positive for cocaine before the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Doctors later clarified that what caused the result were poppy seed muffins he had eaten.
He highlighted the role of his stepfather, Sergeant Phillip Harrison: “I was a juvenile delinquent, and his mission was to teach me to be a leader.” O’Neal acknowledged that thanks to “Sarge,” who guided him out of excess, he got a second chance in life.
