Hulk Hogan has opened up about his previous addiction to prescription pills after a huge number of procedures left him in ‘crazy pain’ to the point where he “couldn’t even function.”
The WWE legend rose to fame in the 80s and quickly became one of the most famous wrestlers worldwide. Four decades later, the 70-year-old, who recently got engaged, is opening up on his struggles throughout the years.
Hulk Hogan was ‘hitting pills hard’ after ‘crazy pain’
Opening up in an interview with Muscle and Health, the WWE legend got candid about his addiction to painkillers, which came after having to endure twenty-five procedures from injuries due to wrestling.
The 70-year-old described himself as a “dog chasing a bone” when he was told his prescription was ready by doctors.
“I had doctors writing me prescription after prescription, and all of a sudden, it became a vicious cycle. I was hitting the pain pills hard because I’d had to endure twenty-five procedures, including ten to my back, facial operations from being kicked, knee and hip replacements, and abdominal and shoulder surgeries,” the celebrity wrestler explained.
He then told that publication that around five or six years ago he was in “crazy pain” to the extent he couldn’t even function.
“I needed pain meds at that stage, that’s for sure. But once things started to wind down, they continued giving me the same meds. It got to a point where I’d recovered from the tenth back surgery, and the pharmacy would call me and say, ‘Your prescription’s ready,’ and like a dog chasing a bone, I’d go pick it up,” he revealed.
There then came a point where the wrestler decided he didn’t need them. Although his body hurt from all the injuries caused by wrestling, he said he was not in excruciating pain that he can’t live with.
The powerhouse then started using CBD, which was introduced to him by Ric Flair, Mike Tyson, and Chad Bronstein, as he claimed he noticed “immediate change” as soon as he started on it, and is now launching his own wellness brand.
The WWE superstar on why he quit drinking alcohol
As Hogan got candid with the publication about his health journey, he also opened up about his decision to quit drinking alcohol seven months ago.
Speaking on his decision to quit with Muscle and Health, the 70-year-old, who would have been 69 at the time of the decision, revealed:
“About seven months ago, I decided not to drink any more alcohol. I was at a New Year’s Eve party and saw a bunch of stuff that I didn’t condone or like. I saw myself in this environment, and I went, ‘You know what? I don’t know how I got here, but I’m done.’
The star shared that he feels so much better being clear-headed, and has no temptation to start drinking again.
Hogan prepares for a ‘new adventure’
After turning the big 7-0 earlier this month, Hulk took to his Instagram to thank fans, friends, and family for the love, as he embarks on a “new adventure.”
In the caption, he penned: “Reflecting over last week’s birthday as Hulkamania celebrated 70 trips around the sun, and what a ride it’s been! The outpouring of love from fans, friends, and family warms my heart.
“This chapter is just the start of a new adventure, and I’m ready to keep being the best, the strongest, and the most positive Hulkster I can be!”
From giving up alcohol to launching his wellness brand, and getting engaged, the legend looks to have a bright future ahead of his already highly successful past.