Woods fell asleep at wheel after taking FIVE different drugs
Woods had taken five different medications
No wonder Tiger Woods was so spaced out by the side of a Florida highway on that fateful day in May.
The toxicology report released by the sheriff’s office in Palm Beach yesterday revealed he had so many drugs in his system it was a wonder he could get behind the wheel of his Mercedes at all, let alone drive.
The former world No 1 had five different medications running through his body when he was found by police.
Woods said in the days after his arrest that he had suffered an ‘unexpected reaction’ to the drugs he was taking, which rather begs the question as to what reaction he was expecting, exactly, when so dosed up?
The downward spiral caused through his constant back problems and the insomnia that followed was illustrated by the grim cocktail he had taken: two painkillers, Vicodin and Dilaudid; two sleep drugs, Xanax and Ambien; and a muscle relaxant that is also the substance the body metabolises after marijuana is consumed.
It is not known if Woods had prescriptions for all the drugs, while medical use of marijuana is legal in Florida. Users of Vicodin alone are meant to be warned that their ability to drive a car may be impaired, never mind taking the other four drugs as well.
The revelations led to a statement from the Woods camp and an update on his progress.
‘As I previously said, I received professional help to manage my medications,’ said 41-year-old Woods in a statement. ‘Recently, I had been trying on my own to treat my back pain and a sleep disorder, including insomnia, but I realise now it was a mistake to do this without medical assistance.
‘I am continuing to work with my doctors and they feel I’ve made significant progress. I remain grateful for the amazing support that I continue to receive and for the family and friends that are assisting me.’
Woods was asleep at the wheel in the right-hand lane of the Florida highway when found by police in the early hours of May 29, with the engine still running.
It was reported at the time that he had ‘extremely slow and slurred speech’ after being awakened by the officers but was co-operative and told them he had taken several prescriptions.
He checked into a rehab clinic in June and announced last month that he had completed treatment.
Last week, Woods agreed to plead guilty to a reduced charge of reckless driving — he was arrested on suspicion of DUI (driving under the influence) — and enter a programme for first-time DUI offenders. If he completes it, he can ask the judge for the charge to be expunged.
on Monday, Woods was pictured hosting a celebratory dinner at his restaurant in Jupiter Island, Florida, for PGA Championship winner and near neighbour, Justin Thomas.
As for the state of his back, the 14-times major champion said in the statement: ‘I recently spoke to my surgeon and he’s very pleased with how my fusion surgery is healing.’