Mark Kerr has publicly said he became addicted to prescription opioid painkillers (opiates), which he used to manage injuries and keep fighting, and he also abused other drugs, including steroids and additional pain medications.

Quick Scoop: What Was Mark Kerr Addicted To?

Mark Kerr, the legendary MMA fighter known as “The Smashing Machine,” has spoken openly over the years about his battle with addiction.

Core Addiction

  • Prescription opioid painkillers (opiates), used to deal with intense physical pain from fighting and training.
  • He developed a physical and psychological dependence on these medications, to the point that they threatened his life and career.

Other Substances Involved

  • Performance‑enhancing drugs (steroids) used in the context of his fighting career.
  • Broader “drug use” is mentioned in documentaries and articles, including heavy reliance on various pain medications, with episodes of overdose.

How It Was Portrayed Publicly

  • The documentary The Smashing Machine shows him desperately seeking pain medication and throwing out bags of narcotics and needles when he tries to get clean.
  • Later coverage and interviews connect his downfall largely to opioid painkillers taken to stay active in competition rather than rest and heal.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.