Phelps going back to rehab following arrest for driving under influence

American swimming great Michael Phelps is reportedly taking a break from the sport after his arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Police in the United States the Olympic legend last Tuesday for speeding and charged him when he failed drink driving tests. Phelps said on Twitter that he is going to take some time away to attend a program that would provide the help he needs to better understand himself.

Phelps, who won a record 18 Olympic titles between 2004 and 2012, added that the past few days have been extremely difficult. He said that he recognizes that this is not his first lapse in judgment, and he is extremely disappointed with himself, The BBC reported.

The American swimmer said that swimming is a major part of his life, but added that right now he needs to focus his attention on himself as an individual and do the necessary work to learn from this experience and make better decisions in the future.

Phelps' 4x4 vehicle had been registered doing 84 miles-per-hour in a 45 miles-per-hour zone going through a tunnel in Baltimore, Maryland.

Police said that Phelps was arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI), excessive speed and crossing double lines".

He was previously charged for driving under the influence in Maryland in 2004. He pleaded guilty to driving while impaired in exchange for 18 months' probation, the report added.