Lamar Odom Reveals Harrowing Details About Addiction Struggles

Khloe Kardashian's ex-husband opens up about his near-death experience and ongoing recovery efforts.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 9:34pm

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Former NBA star Lamar Odom, who was previously married to Khloe Kardashian, has shared new details about his harrowing struggles with drug addiction. Odom recounts being found unconscious at a Nevada brothel in 2015, where he says he was "poisoned" and did not willingly take any drugs. He spent three days in a coma and had to relearn how to speak. While Odom has been sober from cocaine for about two years, he still smokes marijuana and recently entered a 30-day rehab program to address his substance use.

Why it matters

Odom's candid account sheds light on the devastating impact of addiction, even for high-profile athletes and celebrities. His near-death experience and ongoing recovery efforts highlight the challenges many face in overcoming substance abuse issues and the importance of seeking professional help.

The details

In a podcast interview, Odom revealed that on the day he was found unconscious at the Bunny Ranch brothel in Nevada in 2015, he had not taken any drugs. However, he admitted to being "mad" that he didn't have access to cocaine, which he said "goes hand in hand" with visiting brothels. Odom recalled spending $75,000 at the brothel, having a drink, and then waking up three days later in a hospital unable to speak. Doctors told him he had suffered multiple strokes and his family was called in to potentially say their goodbyes. It took Odom two months to regain his ability to speak. While he has been sober from cocaine for about two years, Odom still smokes marijuana, which he acknowledges is "a drug." He recently entered a 30-day rehab program in Los Angeles to address his marijuana use and prevent a relapse after being arrested for DUI in Nevada.

  • In 2015, Odom was found unconscious at a Nevada brothel.
  • Odom spent three days in a coma following the incident.
  • It took Odom two months to regain his ability to speak after the incident.
  • Odom has been sober from cocaine for about two years.
  • Odom recently entered a 30-day rehab program in January 2026 after a DUI arrest.

The players

Lamar Odom

A former NBA star who won two championships and was named Sixth Man of the Year in 2011. He was previously married to Khloe Kardashian.

Khloe Kardashian

Lamar Odom's ex-wife, who put their divorce proceedings on hold to care for Odom after his 2015 near-death experience.

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What they’re saying

“What I've been through, being poisoned in that brothel, cause I aint have drugs that day, I didn't take no drugs that day.”

— Lamar Odom

“They [had] to change my Pampers every third or fourth hour. There were like 3 or 4 times when my family got called into the hospital room to say, 'Y'all might want to say your final goodbyes. He's on his fourth stroke'.”

— Lamar Odom

“I've been clean off of everything for 14 days. It feels like a year.”

— Lamar Odom

What’s next

Odom's ongoing recovery efforts and his commitment to maintaining sobriety will be closely watched by fans and the media.

The takeaway

Lamar Odom's harrowing account of his near-death experience and ongoing struggle with addiction underscores the profound challenges faced by those battling substance abuse, even among high-profile athletes and celebrities. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking professional help and support in overcoming the grip of addiction.