4 NBA Athletes Who Struggled with Substance Use During Their Careers

The NBA showcases incredible talent and athleticism.  But it also reveals the destructive power of substance dependence.  Many athletes have seen their careers derailed by addiction. 

This blog post examines four such players. Each story shows the pain of addiction and the challenges of treatment. Their experiences highlight the ongoing struggle with substance misuse in professional sports. You’ll also see how opioid addiction remains a threat today. 

#1. Stanley Roberts

Stanley Roberts was a talented center. Despite being seen as a future star, his NBA career was short-lived. Early in his career, there were high hopes for him. Marca reveals Real Madrid tapped him in 1990 when he was hardly 20. Then, between 1991 and 1999, he performed in the NBA, playing for Orlando, Los Angeles, Minnesota, Houston, and Philadelphia.

He averaged 8.5 points and over 5 rebounds across 300 appearances. However, the era was dark. Drugs, especially cocaine, were common in the league. The widespread usage played a big role in ending his career, affecting his performance and leading to suspensions. Ultimately, he was dismissed from the league. In 1999, Roberts became the first player to be expelled for two years by the NBA’s new anti-drug regulations. 

Roberts’ downfall reminds you that drug issues are not new. In the NBA, drugs were once rampant. His story from the cocaine era shows you how harsh the environment could be. You also learn that the problem of opioid misuse still exists today. You think modern technology and medicine have all the answers now. But, that isn’t the case.

The most high-profile failure in opioid addiction treatment is the Suboxone medication. It was recognized by the FDA in 2002 for treating opioid use disorder (OUD). It comprises buprenorphine and naloxone. However, according to TruLaw, long-term usage can cause oral complications like extreme tooth damage, dental erosion, and dry mouth.

Plaintiffs claim the manufacturer failed to warn them of the medication’s side effects and downplayed its risk. This has led to legal proceedings, with the potential Suboxone lawsuit payout per person ranging as high as $500,000 or even more. 

#2. Chris Andersen

Chris “Birdman” Andersen was known for his exciting play. His unique style and cheerful demeanor once won hearts. According to Playerswiki, even LeBron James considered Andersen among his all-time favorite mates. His game was as colorful as his personality. 

In 2013, he helped the Miami Heat win the NBA. Yet, behind his smile was a struggle with substance dependency. Andersen’s journey shows you that even the most popular players can fall prey to addiction. COMPLEX reveals he was suspended for two years in 2006. This suspension was due to drug policy violations, which were categorized under “drugs of abuse.” 

However, this story has a positive side. He got help, overcame his struggles, and returned to the NBA, winning a championship. Andersen’s recovery shows that it is possible to overcome addiction. 

#3. John Lucas

John Lucas played in the NBA between 1976 and 1990. He was the Houston Rockets’ first-round pick in the 1976 NBA Draft. Lucas wore the national colors in the 1974 FIBA World Championship. Some of his accolades and achievements include: 

• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1977)
• ACC Athlete of the Year (1976)
• Third-team Parade All-American (1972)
• Consensus first-team All-American (1975, 1976)
• Second-team All-American – AP (1974)
• First-team All-ACC (1974-1976)
• Third-team All-American – NABC (1974)
• Bronze medal at the FIBA World Championship (1974)

He also coached and was a USBL champion in 1992. Lucas has openly discussed his drug addiction. He started missing his games and lying to his family. But, he turned his life around and became an advocate for recovery. Now, he mentors athletes, helping others facing similar challenges. 

Lucas launched projects like the John Lucas Treatment and Recovery Center, Students Taking Action Not Drugs, and John Lucas Enterprises to help addicted athletes. Sports Illustrated reveals Lucas organized an annual golf classic in 2024 to raise money to sponsor healthy living initiatives. These programs centered on mental health, substance addiction avoidance, and youth basketball. 

#4. Chris Herren

Chris Herren’s story is tragic. He once shined on the court with great promise. His talent gave hope to many fans. Yet, his battle with addiction took its toll. A high school basketball star, his career was ruined by addiction. The Newark Advocate reveals he used heroin, cocaine, and oxytocin, and overdosed multiple times. 

He was also arrested at 24, and after his release, he contacted his dealer instead of his family. By 27, he turned to heroin and started stealing from close ones. During his 30s, he resorted to vodka after realizing he couldn’t acquire heroin. Now, he travels the country and shares his story over 200 times a year. 

In 2023, he recalled his bittersweet encounters at the Licking Memorial Hospital’s quarterly corporate breakfast and Granville High School. His honest account shows you the hard truth behind the NBA’s brilliance. His documentary, “Unguarded,” tells his story. Herren now educates youth and talks about the dangers of substance overuse.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q1. What measures does the NBA take to prevent substance misuse among players?

The NBA employs various precautions. The league uses mandatory drug testing, educational programs, and counseling support for players. Teams and league offices work closely with health professionals to identify early warning signs and implement proactive interventions. These steps help minimize addiction risks without intruding on player privacy.

Q2. How common is substance usage among professional athletes?

It affects athletes across many sports. Pressure to perform, injuries, and stress can contribute. Players can even get addicted to recovery medications. It’s hard to give exact numbers, but it’s a recognized problem. However, sports federations, teams, and recovery organizations are working to provide support and resources.

Q3. What are the long-term effects of substance misuse on professional athletes?

It can lead to lasting physical and mental challenges for professional athletes. It may cause chronic health issues, diminished performance, and career-ending consequences. Long-term effects include persistent cognitive issues, emotional instability, and a difficult road to recovery, impacting personal life and professional reputation.

You now see a pattern in these stories. Each athlete had dreams that were dimmed by substance dependence. You learn that while treatment methods have evolved, not all help as they should. The challenges of opioid addiction remain, even with modern medical care. You see, drugs once ruled the NBA. You learn that the fight against substance misuse is a long road. 

New treatment methods may offer hope, but many still fail. These failures show you that the search for better treatments is urgent. Every story makes you think of the many lives at risk. You finish with a clear picture of a troubled past and a challenging present. You learn that the NBA was not immune to drug issues affecting many people. Each player’s experience shows you that addiction leaves lasting scars. 

These tales invite you to think about how modern treatments can improve. They remind you that real change is needed to combat opioid dependence. You walk away with a sense of loss and hope for the future. Lessons from these stories guide you. You see that recovery is possible with the right help. Yet, you also know that treatment failures still occur. These examples push you to seek better solutions for those in need.