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Andrew Gillum headed to rehab following apparent drug overdose of acquaintance

Gillum says he will seek treatment for alcohol abuse that resulted from depression.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla — Former Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum will enter alcohol rehab following a Friday incident that involved methamphetamine, alcohol and the apparent drug overdose of an acquaintance in a Miami hotel room. 

Gillum was found by police at a South Beach hotel early Friday morning in a room with bags of what appeared to be methamphetamine, in the company of a man who appeared to have overdosed, according to a Miami Beach police report. 

According to the police report, Gillum was too intoxicated to be interviewed. In a statement issued later that day, Gillum denied ever using methamphetamine, but admitted drinking too much and said he regretted the incident. 

RELATED: Police: Andrew Gillum involved in suspected methamphetamine incident in Miami

On Sunday, the former Tallahassee mayor said he would enter rehab and issued this statement:

"After conversations with my family and deep reflection, I have made the decision to seek help, guidance and enter a rehabilitation facility at this time. This has been a wake-up call for me. Since my race for governor ended, I fell into a depression that has led to alcohol abuse. I witnessed my father suffer from alcoholism and I know the damaging effects it can have when untreated. I also know that alcoholism is often a symptom of deeper struggles. I am committed to doing the personal work to heal fully and show up in the world as a more complete person.

I now need to firmly focus on myself and my family. I will be stepping down from all public facing roles for the foreseeable future.

I want to apologize to my family, friends and the people of Florida who have supported me and put their faith in me over the years.

I ask that you respect my and my family’s privacy during this time. Thank you."

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