Ryan Lochte Is Rethinkin' Drinkin' After Rio

Ryan Lochte seems genuinely remorseful about his behavior in Rio ... and he not only says he was irresponsible when it came to excessive drinking ... he's not ruling out rehab.

Our photog got Ryan in L.A. Monday, and he had a lot to say ... about Speedo firing him, how being suspended by the USOC would crush him, and what he'll do post-pool.