Rob Ford says he was drinking, using drugs before becoming Toronto mayor

TORONTO – Rob Ford says he was drinking and using drugs before he became mayor of Toronto and the stress of the job is not what drove him to abuse substances.

Ford returned to city hall this week after two months in rehab, pleading for a second chance.

He would not answer questions after an emotional statement Monday, but today is sitting down with a handful of television networks for one-on-one interviews.

Ford told CBC he has been under the influence of alcohol while at city hall as mayor, but never used drugs there.

He also admitted he had been smoking crack cocaine just days before he left for rehab, confirming that was the substance in a pipe he was seen holding in a video image obtained by the Globe and Mail.

Ford refused to say if he would resign if he falls off the wagon, saying he is taking things one day at a time.