Lance Armstrong’s Battle with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) After Doping Scandal
In one of the most notorious scandals in sports history, Lance Armstrong was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles in 2012 and asked to return all the prize money he earned between 1999 and 2005 following his admission of using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). The former professional cyclist recently opened up about this experience on the “The Great Unlearn” podcast, sharing that he suffered from PTSD in the aftermath.
Armstrong first confessed to taking PEDs such as erythropoietin (EPO), testosterone, human growth hormone, and illegal blood transfusions during an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2013. This revelation led to numerous lawsuits against him, including a $5 million settlement with the US government for doping while they sponsored his team during that time period.
The fallout from Armstrong’s confession was immense, and he described the transition from being a hero to zero overnight as both deserved and not funny. He acknowledged that his bullying behavior during the doping scandal, which involved controlling the narrative around the extent of his doping use, was also unacceptable.
The Impact of Legal Consequences and Public Scorn
Armstrong explained that the legal repercussions and public scorn led him to experience PTSD. He noted that there was a lengthy list of lawsuits, causing his income to plummet from an exorbitant amount to zero. The emotional turmoil and unpredictable consequences did not spare him, as he experienced flashbacks, strained relationships, and even physical symptoms such as headaches and nausea.
Seeking Help: From Couch Therapy to Intensive Retreat
Following his public confession, Armstrong initially tried “couch therapy” but later realized that he required something deeper and more effective to address his PTSD. In search of a solution, he went to Onsite in Tennessee, a therapy and counseling retreat where he underwent an intensive five-day therapy program.
Armstrong described this therapy as “surgery” in comparison to the previous Band-Aid approach. He also mentioned that he threw himself into fitness and health, focusing on activities like running, swimming, and playing golf.
The Importance of Understanding PTSD
PTSD is an emotional response to a terrible event, and it can manifest in unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships, and even physical symptoms. Armstrong emphasized that while PTSD is often associated with soldiers and war veterans, it’s not exclusive to them or to himself.
Reinvention and Moving Forward
These days, Armstrong maintains a healthy lifestyle by exercising every day and hosting two podcasts: “THEMOVE,” which focuses on cycling and the Tour de France, and “The Forward,” where he interviews a different guest each episode. Although his past mistakes continue to shape his narrative, Armstrong has found solace in moving forward and sharing his experiences with the world.
