Rapper T.I. has revealed his drug problems started when he was prescribed painkillers after dental surgery earlier this year (10), and he enrolled in therapy sessions after his September (10) arrest to kick his addiction.
The hip-hop star was jailed earlier this month (Nov10) for parole violation after he and his wife Tameka 'Tiny' Cottle were detained by police officers who allegedly found drugs during a search of the couple's car.
T.I. has now opened up about his demons in a new interview with Vibe magazine, which was conducted prior to his incarceration.
The rapper admits he became addicted to prescription pills following a series of painful dental procedures, but vowed to kick his bad habits for good after his arrest.
He says, "After the pain went away, I kept taking it. I had like five, six prescriptions. So, I had, like 80 pills. Everybody else might drink or smoke a blunt (joint); I took a pain pill... If you rationalise putting yourself in harm's way, risking your well-being, your health, your freedom, your family's well-being and livelihood in order to be high, that's the rationale of an addict."
T.I.'s wife recently pleaded not guilty to a charge of drug possession and is due to go on trial next year (11), but the star is adamant his partner has not suffered similar drug problems.
He adds, "She went with me to some meetings and counselling. She ain't got no problems. Her thing is she smokes. Smoking weed is different than taking pain pills. You can smoke weed today and not smoke another blunt for another three months."