Rapper Eminem talked to Men's Journal about his overall health, opening up about his drug addiction and his recovery.

"In 2007, I overdosed on pills, and I went into the hospital. I was close to 230 pounds. I'm not sure how I got so big, but I have ideas," Eminem said. "The coating on the Vicodin and the Valium I'd been taking for years leaves a hole in your stomach, so to avoid a stomachache, I was constantly eating -- and eating badly."

The "Guts Over Fear" rapper opened up about his dependence on drugs. He could not properly function or sleep unless he was high. When he finished with rehab, he needed to "figure out a way to function sober." That's when he picked up running.

"It gave me a natural endorphin high, but it also helped me sleep, so it was perfect," he said.

He started to get addicted to running to the point where he ran for nearly 17 miles a day, which led to injury.

"All the constant pounding from the running began to tear up my hip flexors," the rapper said.

"It's easy to understand how people replace addiction with exercise. ... One addiction for another but one that's good for them. I got an addict's brain, and when it came to running, I think I got a little carried away."

He has found healthier exercise habits since then.

Meanwhile, the rapper made a surprise appearance at a screening of "Southpaw" in Detroit back in July, New York Daily News reports.

Eminem, who contributed a soundtrack in the movie, appeared along with star Jake Gyllenhaal.

"It's an honor to be even next to him," Gyllenhaal said while he stood next to the rapper.

Eminem was the first choice for lead role for "Southpaw," but it wound up going to Gyllenhaal. Also, the original script was supposed to be loosely based on Eminem's life.

The rapper is no longer battling drug abuse.

Related