Former Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum announced Sunday he would be going to rehab for alcoholism after an incident in Miami involving a suspected crystal meth overdose last week.
“After conversation with my family and deep reflection, I have made the decision to seek help, guidance and enter a rehabilitation facility at this time,” Gillum, 40, said in a statement.
“This has been a wake-up call for me. Since my race for governor ended, I fell into a depression that has led to alcohol abuse. I witnessed my father suffer from alcoholism and I know the damaging effects it can have when untreated,” he added. “I also know that alcoholism is often a symptom of deeper struggles. I am committed to doing the personal work to heal fully and show up in the world as a more complete person.”
Gillum, a former Tallahassee mayor who joined CNN as a commentator last year, also said he would be “stepping down from all public facing roles for the foreseeable future.”
Police responded to a report of a drug overdose in a Miami Beach hotel early Friday morning, which involved Gillum. According to a police report, a person with Gillum was in “stable” condition but was treated for a drug overdose. The report said police found three bags of suspected crystal meth in the room.
Gillum said he had too much to drink but denied using illegal drugs.
“I was in Miami last night for a wedding celebration when first responders were called to assist one of my friends. While I had too much to drink, I want to be clear that I have never used methamphetamines. I apologize to the people of Florida for the distraction this has caused our movement,” Gillum said.
“I’m thankful to the incredible Miami Beach EMS team for their efforts. I will spend the next few weeks with my family and appreciate the privacy during this time,” he added.
Local reports said the man who suffered an apparent overdose in the hotel room and got hospitalized was Travis Dyson, who once claimed to be a “pornstar performer” and advertised his services as a gay male escort.
Gillum lost a close race for Florida governor against Republican Rick DeSantis in 2018. He is married and has three children.
