Rodney King Arrested Again, Marijuana to Blame

Rodney King’s ongoing legal woes are a sad example of the continuing chaos caused by the disease of addiction. It’s an all too common problem among those who spend decades battling substance abuse or alcoholism.

Rodney King Under the Influence

While best known for the 1991 police brutality case that led to the 1992 LA Riots, King’s latest brush with the law came when he was arrested on July 12, 2011, on the suspicion of driving under the influence. Reports show he was allegedly under the influence of a "medical marijuana prescription" when police booked him.

"I had marijuana in me that I take to deal with migraine headaches and pain in my lower extremities, although I should not have been driving," King told CNN following his arrest. Authorities have not released results of the blood test to determine King’s blood alcohol level.

King was released several hours after his arrest in California’s Moreno Valley and issued a citation to appear for a court hearing within 45 days. Sheriff's officials are expected to submit the case to the Riverside County District Attorney's office, which will decide whether to prosecute King. He was also cited this past March for driving without a license after being pulled over in Arcadia, California.

Rodney King’s Addiction Past

While not all of King’s numerous arrests have been drug related, he did appear in a CNN documentary earlier this year, discussing his ongoing struggle with alcohol abuse.

I'll always have an issue when it comes to alcohol,” King said, adding, “My dad was an alcoholic, the addiction part is in my blood. What I've learned to do is to arrest my — addiction, arrest it myself, so I don't get arrested."

That honesty shows how difficult alcohol addiction can be to overcome and the tight grip it can have on people. It also illustrates the genetic nature of the disease and how it can run through families like a deadly cancer. King has sought treatment in the past, even appearing on a season of Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew, but continues to struggle. While his ongoing issues can be disheartening for someone else wondering if they can overcome alcoholism or drug addiction, they should find hope in the fact that hundreds of thousands are successfully living in recovery today, taking it one day at a time. There is no different road to sobriety for a long-term substance abuser. While everyone’s story is unique, treatment is similar, and it starts with taking that first step.

Alcohol Rehab

If you or someone you love is in need of alcohol rehab, call The Canyon at our toll-free number. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about alcohol addiction treatment, financing or insurance.