Tatum O’Neal “nearly died” of an overdose and was in a coma for six weeks after suffering a stroke

The former child star and her son Kevin opened up about their ordeal for the first time People that O’Neal suffered a stroke and was in a coma for six weeks after overdosing on painkillers, opiates and morphine – all of which she had been prescribed to treat neck and back pain and rheumatoid arthritis.

“She also went into cardiac arrest and had a series of seizures. There were times when we didn’t think she would survive,” explained her son, who said his mother’s “chronic pain” during the COVID lockdown “had led to a dire situation of isolation.”

O’Neal “had damage to her right frontal cortex,” Kevin added, saying she was diagnosed with aphasia at the hospital. Aphasia is a form of brain damage that affects the ability to communicate—at first what was diagnosed with Bruce Willis before the family was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.

According to the publication, O’Neal has “fought to regain her full memory” and has undergone numerous therapies at various medical-supervised facilities over the past few years. Her son said it “was difficult at times” as he feared she would “be blind and deaf and might never speak again.”

“I’ve been trying to get sober my whole life. Every day I try,” O’Neal — who has been very open about her struggles with substance abuse over the years — told People. “I’ve been an addict my whole life. Quite off and on for the last 30 to 40 years.”

Her son says it appears his mother has “taken this attempt at recovery,” adding she wants “to be with my beautiful three children.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or addiction, contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.