Dustin Poirier says he needs help after arrest and struggles with alcohol after retirement

Dustin Poirier says quitting fighting hasn’t been easy, admitting he has a drinking problem… after police video shows the former UFC champion belligerently insulting airport workers before being arrested on Sunday.

“I’m at the point where I need help, giving up fighting hasn’t been easy for me and alcohol is not the solution. It ruined my father’s life and I won’t allow it to ruin mine, my family deserves me 100%,” Poirier wrote Tuesday evening on Instagram.

He ended his message to fans by promising to get help.

“I’m trying to do everything I can to get my head straight and take the right steps.”

TMZ Sports broke the story earlier this week… the 37-year-old fighter, who retired in July, was arrested on Father’s Day around 4 p.m. at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport near Atlanta.

It’s unclear exactly what happened in the plane before takeoff, but Poirier was pulled from the plane and he collapsed.

Police body camera shows Dustin act aggressively with airport staff and a police officer trying to defuse the situation.

“Let’s go, big dog. Let’s go, big dog. What’s up? Buncha hos. Let’s go. Let’s go. Fucking liar. Yeah, I got me off the plane, all my boys went to the fucking crib. Now, what the fuck?” said Poirier.

“Dude, fuck off and go fuck her and fuck her. I’ll fight you right now,” Poirier said, confronting the man, who retreated and called for help.

Dustin eventually went peacefully with the cops and even smeared the officer he initially swore at.

Poirier was arrested for “public drunkenness,” a misdemeanor that could result in up to a year in prison if convicted.

Even more important than the criminal case he’s currently facing, Dustin, known as one of MMA’s best and most charitable fighters, says he needs help.

Poirier is still one of the most popular fighters in the sport, and countless fans are hoping he gets what he needs.