Dominic Smithers
Hulk Hogan has opened up about the 'vicious cycle' of drug addiction that took over his life.
The WWE legend - real name Terry Bollea - says his illustrious career left him dealing with a number of serious injuries, which left him in excruciating pain and in need of relief.
But after his injuries had healed, the 70-year-old admitted that he continued to take prescription pills he no longer needed.
In the end, he told Muscle and Health, he was 'like a dog chasing a bone' and heading for the brink.
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"I had doctors writing me prescription after prescription, and all of a sudden, it became a vicious cycle," he told the magazine.
"I was hitting the pain pills hard because I’d had to endure 25 procedures, including ten to my back, facial operations from being kicked, knee and hip replacements and abdominal and shoulder surgeries."
Hogan went on: "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."
Eventually, Hogan said he realised that he didn't actually need the pain meds he was being prescribed.
"My body hurts from all the wrestling injuries, but I’m not in this excruciating pain that I can’t live with," he said.
But it wasn't just the pain meds that had hold of the father-of-two. Alcohol has also played a huge part in his life.
At one point, he admitted, he would often drink a dozen beers after a show.
But now, he's seven months sober.
Hogan explained: "I've had a lot of practise drinking because I wrestled for about 40 years, so those guys have a beer every once in a while.
"But 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.' It was just that one thing."
And he said that his sobriety has given him a new perspective on life.
"I was around people who believed and behaved differently from me, and I just said, 'I’m out'," he said.
"It feels much better to be so clear-headed.
"I’m no longer tempted to drink alcohol. I don’t have an addictive personality. I mean, with anything. It can be business or people or alcohol or drugs. When I’m done, I’m done.
He added: "I’ve had certain wrestlers look at me in the face and go, 'If you don't have a drink with me, you're not my friend.' I say, 'Well, I am your friend, but I'm not going to drink with you. What are you going to do about it?'"