Lance Armstrong Opens Up About PTSD and Intensive Therapy Journey
Former professional cyclist Lance Armstrong shares his journey of battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and undergoing rigorous one-on-one therapy sessions. In a candid interview on 'The Great Unlearn' podcast, Armstrong reveals the challenges he faced and the intensive treatment he pursued after his admission of using performance-enhancing drugs.
Lance Armstrong revealed that he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and underwent intensive therapy after confessing to using performance-enhancing drugs. This revelation was made during an interview on “The Great Unlearn” podcast.
Following the admission of doping, Armstrong faced severe consequences. In 2012, he was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and required to return all prize money earned from his victories between 1999 and 2005.
He revealed his use of performance-enhancing drugs during an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2013. He admitted to using substances like erythropoietin (EPO), testosterone, human growth hormone, and illegal blood transfusions. These drugs were meant to enhance his athletic performance.
On a recent episode of "The Great Unlearn" podcast, the 52-year-old reflected on his downfall. He expressed how he went from being a hero to facing public scrutiny overnight.
CNN/Life Itself
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"A good number of folks cheered for that. Some found it amusing. Many believed I had it coming. And they were right on many accounts. I personally didn't find it humorous, but I definitely had it coming."
During his Oprah interview, Armstrong admitted to being "deeply flawed" and acknowledged being a bully by trying to control the narrative surrounding his doping. The US Anti-Doping Agency referred to his doping program as the most sophisticated, professionalized, and successful.
After his confession, Armstrong faced multiple lawsuits. One significant settlement was in 2018 when he agreed to pay $5 million to the US government for doping while the US Postal Service was sponsoring his team with millions of dollars.
Armstrong shared on "The Great Unlearn" podcast that there was a mile-long list of lawsuits. His income went from a high amount to zero. Going through all these challenges led to suffering from PTSD.
He emphasized that PTSD is often associated with soldiers who have experienced war trauma. However, PTSD is not limited to soldiers or himself. It can affect anyone, regardless of their background.
Armstrong did not mention on the podcast who diagnosed his PTSD or when it was diagnosed.
Trauma, as defined by the American Psychological Association, is the emotional reaction to a distressing event. This can lead to a range of symptoms such as unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships, and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea.
Lance Armstrong, the US cyclist, arrived in Rodez, southwest France on July 16, 2015. He rode a stage of The Tour De France for a leukaemia charity, a day ahead of the competing riders. This was the first time Armstrong participated in the famous race since he was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles. The 43-year-old cyclist covered a distance of 198 kilometers (123 miles) for the charity. However, cycling officials criticized his participation, calling it "disrespectful".
US cyclist Lance Armstrong looks on upon his arrival in Rodez, southwest France, after riding a stage of The Tour De France for a leukaemia charity, a day ahead of the competing riders, on July 16, 2015. For the first time since he was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles, disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong rode a stage of the famous race for charity. Armstrong, 43, was riding a 198-kilometre (123-mile) stage a day ahead of the competing riders for a leukaemia charity but cycling officials have branded the exercise "disrespectful". AFP PHOTO / STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN (Photo credit should read STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP/Getty Images)
STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
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Armstrong's doping scandal not only affected him personally but also tarnished the reputation of Livestrong, the cancer charity he established in 1997 following his own cancer diagnosis at the age of 25.
In a recent interview on "The Great Unlearn," Armstrong shared that after his Oprah interview, he relied on "couch therapy" for some time. Eventually, he realized that he needed a more profound approach to deal with his PTSD.
He shared that he attended Onsite in Tennessee, a retreat center for therapy and counseling.
Armstrong described Onsite as a five-day program where he received one-on-one therapy for 10 hours each day. He compared the experience to undergoing surgery, noting that it was more intensive and impactful compared to his previous experiences with therapy, which he likened to a "Band-Aid."
After admitting to doping, he shared that he focused on improving his fitness and health. He mentioned that he started running, swimming, and even took up golf as a new hobby.
CNN has reached out to Armstrong and Onsite for additional statements.
Armstrong shared in a 2014 CNN interview that he doesn't currently plan on seeking therapy. He mentioned that for him, therapy involves activities like biking, playing golf, and enjoying a beer.
He expressed that everyone goes through different events in life, whether they are positive, negative, or neutral. While he understands the concept of therapy, he personally hasn't felt the need to pursue it yet.
Armstrong stays active by exercising daily, with swimming being his preferred workout. In addition, he hosts two podcasts. "THEMOVE" focuses on cycling and the Tour de France, while "The Forward" features interviews with a new guest in each episode.
Editor's P/S:
Lance Armstrong's candid revelation about his PTSD diagnosis sheds light on the profound psychological impact of his doping scandal. Despite his past triumphs and public scrutiny, Armstrong's journey highlights the universality of trauma and the importance of seeking help. His decision to undergo intensive therapy serves as a testament to the potential for healing and redemption.
Armstrong's experience also underscores the need for a broader understanding of PTSD, which is often associated solely with military combat. Trauma can stem from a wide range of distressing events, affecting individuals regardless of their background or circumstances. Recognizing the diverse manifestations of PTSD and providing accessible support systems are crucial for fostering resilience and well-being in our communities. emphasizes the need for accessible and comprehensive mental health services to support individuals in their recovery journeys, regardless of their past or current circumstances.
