Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson has credited a psychedelic drug derived from toad venom with helping him overcome substance abuse and manage anxiety. In a recent Netflix documentary, Tyson, 60, revealed that during his boxing career he struggled with addiction and experienced near-fatal overdoses.

Tyson described how he was introduced to 5-MeO-DMT, a hallucinogenic compound sourced from the Bufo alvarius toad, during an intervention organized with the assistance of a shaman. His wife, Lakiha "Kiki" Spicer, 49, explained that their efforts to support Tyson’s recovery led them to seek alternative treatments. She noted that the drug is believed to help address various addictions and mental health challenges by altering thought patterns.

Tyson said the psychedelic experience profoundly affected him, telling the documentary, “We did an intervention with some toad, you know. DMT. And it blew my mind.” He added that he has used the drug more than 100 times and now relies on it when facing significant decisions. According to Tyson, he has abstained from cocaine and alcohol since beginning this treatment.

The documentary features moments where Tyson expresses deep anxiety and fears about mortality during his psychedelic experiences, sometimes requiring reassurance from his wife. The couple’s approach highlights the emerging interest in psychedelic substances as alternative therapies for mental health and addiction issues, though such treatments remain experimental and are not widely endorsed by mainstream medical communities.

Tyson’s candid discussion contributes to ongoing public conversations about the potential benefits and risks of psychedelic drugs, particularly for individuals wrestling with addiction and psychological distress.