Lamar Odom’s alleged off-season drug use seen more often than not, says addiction specialist
Lamar Odom is reportedly missing and allegedly addicted to heavy drugs. His agent Jeff Schwartz disputes this.
Schwartz, Odom’s longtime agent, told ESPN.com: “Lamar is not missing. His wife knows exactly where he is.”
Schwartz added: “Playing in the NBA is still very much a part of Lamar’s plans.”
What we do know is that Odom is ensconce at the Hotel Luxe, according to ESPN, and he is separated from Khloe Kardashian.
Dr. Damon Raskin of Cliffside Malibu (www.cliffsidemalibu.com) spoke to us today about pro athletes and drug abuse.
“Over the years I have had many athletes as patients who use during off-season. I’m following the news on Lamar Odom closely and hope he’s steered to people who will respect and help him recover, if these allegations are true.
He added, “Many of my patients were admitted to rehab as in-patients during off-season to get ahead of their drug and alcohol issues, so that they didn’t lose their positions on the team. This is imperative and the only way to truly fight addiction. You have to look in the mirror and ask yourself, is it worth it to lose my family, my career over a substance? Clearlythe answer is ‘no.’ You just need to find the right people to help you get back on the right track.”
TMZ first reported that Khloe Kardashian threw Lamar out of the house Wednesday after attempting an intervention which Lamar squarely rejected.
Odom was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Clippers for season 2012-13, and ESPN reported there was some interest in re-signing Odom earlier in August, but those rumors have vaporized as the Clippers look elsewhere.
