Joey Swoll returns for a new full and uncut GI Exclusive interview.
Over the past year, Joey Swoll made a public announcement online that shocked many of his fans. He had been quietly suffering from a pain killer addiction during the pandemic. Swoll made the post after he had put himself through recovery – but wanted his fans and followers to know the truth and hope to inspire those who are also suffering a way towards recovery.
That’s why we reconnected with Joey Swoll for a new video interview to discuss his addiction, recovery, and recap the latest topics in bodybuilding since our last conversation in 2019. It was a long and insightful interview breaking down the intricacies of addiction and how the struggles were enhanced due to the pandemic lockdowns. It’s also an interesting look at some of the latest developments in bodybuilding.
Over the past few months we’ve released multiple GI Exclusive segments from our interview with Joey Swoll. Now we’re releasing the full length interview including topics such as cryptocurrency, addiction, and how the new generation of bodybuilders stand up to the current top pros.
Listen To Our Joey Swoll Returns Interview On The Generation Iron Podcast
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Listen to the full Joey Swoll interview here:
Joey Swoll Details His Rock Bottom Moment Of Pain Killer Addition
Joey Swoll explains at the same time as an injury he suffered, he was dealing with compounding stress putting weight on his shoulders. Of course, the pandemic was changing life as we knew it. He was also going through an emotional breakup and facing some serious business challenges. All of these added up to a level of stress and anxiety that he couldn’t handle. The pain medication he received for his injury suddenly made everything more manageable.
Like any addiction, it became a slippery slope. He kept increasing pill dosages as his tolerance grew. Suddenly, something that was making him feel happy was no longer bringing him relief. He felt trapped. His mood wildly swung from hour to hour. He felt depressed, out of control, and trapped.
Joey Swoll goes on to describe his rock bottom moment. He took so many pills that he believed he should just take even more to overdose and end his life. He wrote messages to close friends stating he would do as such. Ultimately, and luckily, this didn’t happen. He made it through the night. It was a wake up call that he needed help.
Joey Swoll didn’t receive professional help for recovery. Instead he did research, slowly weened himself off the pills, and eventually got to a point where he was completely free of using them. He did suffer withdrawals but now after going through recovery, Swoll feels stronger and able to avoid relapse and further addiction in his future.
Joey Swoll: Blessing Awodibu Is Great For The Sport Of Bodybuilding
Joey Swoll believes that Blessing Awodibu is great for the sport of bodybuilding. He’s bringing an element of entertainment and excitement to the sport. If he can continue to combine that with a threatening physique – we can have another Kai Greene type athlete on our hands.
“Blessing, that kid, I think he’s great for the sport. He’s very, how do I say this, he has a lot of personality,” Joey Swoll states in our interview. He continues:
“HE BRINGS A LOT OF CHARACTER TO THE STAGE. HE’S NOT QUIET. AND I LOVE THAT. I LOVE THAT THERE WAS A LITTLE BIT OF BEEF BETWEEN HIM AND NICK. I DIDN’T GET TOO INVOLVED INTO IT BUT I LIKE THAT. IT’S GOOD FOR THE SPORT. IT CREATES SOME, LIKE YOU KNOW, EVERYONE IS ALWAYS GOING TO TALK ABOUT PHIL AND KIA. WHEN PHIL AND KAI GOT BEEF AND GOT ON STAGE NEXT TO EACH OTHER THAT WAS PROBABLY THE MOST EXCITING OLYMPIA FINALS EVER.”
Joey Swoll goes on to clarify that it’s important to know the difference between competitiveness and disrespect. A rivalry and some trash talk is good for the sport, it helps engage the fans, and creates more drama. But if it becomes disrespectful, that’s not professional. That’s not what a pro athlete should represent. It’s a fine line – but Blessing seems to be the kind of guy who knows how to walk it.
Joey Swoll also mentions other standout rising stars such as the aforementioned Nick Walker and also Hunter Labrada. These athletes all show incredible promise that is starting to solidify in recent years. A new generation of athletes are on the horizon and the future looks bright.
Wrap Up
Joey Swoll is an open and honest bodybuilder who is unafraid to speak candidly even about his own personal struggles. That’s why you should check out the full GI Exclusive interview above! He shares his personal experiences as well as opinions within the bodybuilding world that should not be missed!
