Rodney King Dies Still Struggling with Addiction

Rodney King and addiction

Rodney King Dies Still Struggling with Addiction

Rodney King Dies Still Struggling with Addiction

Rodney King and addiction
Rodney King Struggled with Addiction all his Life

Rodney King was an iconic figure in American history. The beating he endured on March 3, 1991 by Los Angeles police, who would later be acquitted, would lead to a chain of events that would affect the people of Los Angeles and the rest of the United States. The horror of that night would haunt King for the next 20 years, which ultimately led him down a dark road of addiction which allegedly claimed his life on Sunday, June 17, 2012.

Alcohol has played a large role in Rodney King’s history. His father had problems with alcohol and King followed in his footsteps, having issues with alcohol and other substances which had gotten him in trouble with the law. The day of the beating King had been drinking heavily and was driving under the influence; which ended in a high speed chase and a videotaped beating that led to the infamous “LA Riots”. After the nightmare of the beating, the trial and the riots, King numbed his feelings of fear, anger, anxiety, resentment and hopelessness with alcohol and drugs. His run-ins with the law continued for years afterwards.

He made several attempts to become clean and sober in addiction treatment. He would stay clean and sober for some time but would stumble back into addiction. King even appeared on Dr. Drew’s Celebrity Rehab where he struggled to stay clean, and attempted to reconcile with his family and face his demons.

It is clear that King had many emotional issues that he didn’t know how to address other than to drink and use drugs. This is why seeking treatment from a drug and alcohol rehab program that addresses substance abuse and co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and dual diagnosis treatment would help addicts immensely. If you or a loved one is suffering from an addiction to alcohol or drugs, please call one of our addiction specialists at 866-386-1608 and regain control of your life today.