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Shaquille O’Neal has opened up about his prolonged use of painkillers during his 19-year NBA career, admitting that he became addicted while recovering from injuries.

In an interview on Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, as reported by the Los Angeles Times, O’Neal said he alternated between opioid painkillers such as oxycodone and strong nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Indocin.

He explained that his reliance on these medications started as a means to play through injuries but eventually became a daily habit. O’Neal said his doctor once told him he was addicted, which led to “a heated discussion.”

“I would do homeboy math,” O’Neal said. “If it said take one, I’m taking three. It was a club sandwich, fries and two pills for 19 years.”

The Hall of Famer admitted he never felt “high” from the drugs, even when taking more than the prescribed dose. Instead, he saw them as part of his routine to stay on the court.

O’Neal’s comments shed light on the physical toll of his career, which included playing through numerous injuries while winning four NBA championships and earning 15 All-Star selections.

He acknowledged that the issue still weighs on him years after retirement, describing how the constant use of both opioids and NSAIDs became second nature during his time in the league.

These days, O’Neal said he avoids marijuana but has found another way to unwind. “Hookah, it enables me to follow the routine of sit your ass down,” he said.