- Mike Tyson admitted to using fentanyl multiple times during his boxing career to cope with intense pain.
- He described fentanyl’s effects as similar to heroin, with severe withdrawal symptoms when the drug wore off.
- Tyson was aware of the legal risks of fentanyl use in sports but felt compelled by his pain management needs.
Mike Tyson, one of boxing’s most legendary fighters, recently revealed a striking and deeply personal aspect of his career: he used fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, “quite a few times” to manage pain.
Tyson shared this admission during a September 2025 episode of the “Katie Miller Podcast,” detailing his struggles with pain relief and the challenges that came with using such a potent drug while competing at the highest level.
Pain Management with Fentanyl During Tyson’s Boxing Career
Tyson explained that he used fentanyl primarily to address severe pain, specifically citing an injury to his toe. “It was a painkiller, and I used to patch up my toe,” he said.
The drug, which he described as feeling “like heroin,” provided intense relief but also led to difficult withdrawal symptoms once its effects wore off. In his words, “Once it wears off and you take the Band-Aid off, you start withdrawing, throwing up, just like if you were on heroin.”
This candid confession highlights the physical toll and the desperate measures athletes sometimes resort to in order to keep performing at an elite level.
The Risks and Legality of Fentanyl Use in Sports
Mike Tyson acknowledged the risky nature of using fentanyl during his prime. Because fentanyl is a narcotic and was relatively new at the time, he was acutely aware of the legal consequences. Tyson recalled, “It was illegal if it was caught in my bloodstream,” noting that despite the dangers,
“No one ever heard of it” when he first considered using it. This underscores the difficult balance athletes face between managing debilitating pain and avoiding the consequences of performance and drug regulations.
Reflection on Tyson’s Drug Struggles and Recovery Journey
Tyson has openly discussed his history with substance abuse over the years, including cocaine and alcohol addiction, and has made efforts to recover. He shared in earlier interviews his battle with addiction and admitted to lying about his sobriety.
More recently, Tyson has embraced marijuana for pain relief and as a healthier alternative. He even stated, “It’s not a drug.
It’s medicine,” promoting its use particularly among athletes. Tyson’s experience with fentanyl and other substances reflects a broader conversation about pain management, addiction, and athlete health.
Public and Social Media Reaction to Tyson’s Revelations
Social media users and boxing fans have expressed a mix of shock and empathy following Tyson’s revelations. Comments like “It’s heartbreaking to hear such a legend had to fight battles outside the ring too” and “Shows the dark truth behind the sport” have circulated widely.
Fans recognize Tyson not only as a fierce competitor but also as a human being battling immense pressure and pain, making his honesty resonate deeply.
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Last Updated on September 10, 2025 by 247 News Around The World
