Ryan Lochte Reveals He Went to Rehab After Struggling with Substance Abuse

Ryan Lochte opened up about his struggles with substance abuse and how he pulled himself out of a “really dark place” after his 2023 car accident.

Lochte, 40, shared a video message on Instagram on Friday, Aug. 29, revealing that he completed a rehab program and is 54 days sober. “I wanted to share some positive updates in my life,” the Olympian said to start the video, noting that his 54 days of sobriety are the “big reason” he’s feeling “so happy right now.”

“After my accident in 2023, I fell into a really dark place,” Lochte shared, citing “depression, loneliness and feeling like I was giving up in life.”

Lochte said he needed to make a “drastic change” after falling into a cycle of substance abuse. “So I checked myself into a recovery center,” he shared, adding that the staff at the recovery center he visited were supportive and helpful, and they taught him, “Substance abuse isn’t a solution, it’s a distraction that makes things worse.”

After completing his program, Lochte said he’s “thinking clearly” and feeling more “motivated” than ever as he discussed the “stigma around” substance abuse. “But in life, you’re going to get knocked out or hit a road block. It’s not how you get knocked out, it’s how you keep moving forward.”

“I am bettering myself each day,” Lochte said. “If anyone out there is struggling, please know you’re not alone in this.”

The athlete’s admission comes shortly after Lochte’s wife Kayla confirmed she is divorcing her husband of seven years in an Instagram post on June 4. According to court documents, she filed for divorce from Lochte on March 26.

The Olympian previously underwent a six-week treatment for “alcohol addiction” in 2018 after police were reportedly called to an incident at his California hotel room. At the time, his agent Jeff Ostrow told TMZ, “Ryan has been battling from alcohol addiction for many years…and unfortunately it has become a destructive pattern for him.”

In 2019, Lochte opened up about his struggle with alcohol. “I think it was getting to a point in my life where I needed a change,” he shared at the U.S. National Championships, adding that since seeking treatment, he’s limited himself to having a glass of wine following the birth of his then 6-week old daughter Liv Rae, who he shares with his estranged wife Kayla Reid Lochte.

“I went there because I needed help. I need to change some things in my life,” Lochte said. “That’s what I went there for and I came out a better man,” he added later on in the press conference.

The Olympian and Kayla also share son Caiden Zane and daughter Georgia June.

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In her post announcing her split from Lochte, Kayla wrote, “Earlier this year, I made the hard decision to end my marriage after deep prayer and reflection. I hold marriage in the highest regard, so this has been one of the most painful, revealing, and challenging seasons of my life. I’ve been hesitant to share until I could do so from a place of healing — not from fresh, open wounds.”

She continued, “Sometimes we face trials we didn’t choose or see coming. And in those moments, we’re forced to make the hardest decisions to protect our peace, our children, and our future. I’ve come to the understanding that staying isn’t always the most loving decision someone can make. For me, leaving was an act of love — for those around me and for myself.”

The swimmer addressed his divorce on social media after Kayla shared her statement. “I want to take a moment to acknowledge what Kayla shared,” Lochte wrote in his own post on Instagram. “This past year has brought major changes for both of us as we’ve come to the difficult decision to end our marriage. I’m deeply grateful for the life we’ve built together and especially for the love we share for our three children.”

“Although this decision hasn’t been easy, I believe it’s the right step toward peace and well-being for us both,” he continued. “I remain committed to healing, growth, and co-parenting with care and respect as we move forward separately. Thank you to our family and friends for your continued support — it truly means a lot as we begin this new chapter,” the Olympian concluded.

Last year, Lochte opened up about the mental impact of a near-fatal car accident in 2023 that left him in a bout of “depression” and multiple injuries — including a broken femur and abrasions on his forehead.

“One year ago, my life changed forever,” Lochte wrote in his post at the time. “A car accident nearly took everything from me — and for a long time, it felt like it had. I struggled to find myself again, sinking back into depression and doubting my worth as a father, a husband, and the person I knew I could be. But I didn’t face this journey alone.”

Lochte said he overcame the struggles and “rise from that darkness” thanks to the “love and support of the incredible people in my life.”

“Today, I’m proud to say I’m not just surviving — I’m fighting,” Lochte continued in his Instagram post. “Fighting for my family, for my dreams, and for the life I know I’m meant to live. This year has taught me that setbacks don’t define us — our comebacks do.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.