In the last 30 days, the media has reported several high-profile individuals and celebrities going into rehabilitation. Addiction can impact anyone, regardless of how much money they earn, their day-to-day pressures or background and social class. Addiction does not care about where you come from and what you do.
Approximately 85,000 people are convicted of a drink driving related offences every year in England and Wales alone. In the last year, this number has included Zak Hardaker, Wigan Warriors full-back. Zak was banned for 20 months after being twice over the drink-drive limit. This comes after he was nearing the end of a 14-month playing ban for using cocaine. The former 2015 Man of Steel is now in rehabilitation, supported by his club, friends and family to help find the longer-term care he needs.
You may say perhaps, rather unsympathetically, “yet another celeb drug addiction“? But, every life matters, including your own.
Life pressures, anxiety and trauma can develop from anywhere, not withstanding appearing in gossip columns, tweet troll feeds and being hounded by flashing cameras every other day. Going to work on a full train every day, manager’s breathing down your back and the pressures that come with taking care of one’s family can be no different in the impact it has on mental health.
Ben Affleck, star of films such as Good Will Hunting and Argo, recently left rehab, and maintains that alcohol addiction is a ‘lifelong and difficult struggle’.
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This is not the first time he spent time undergoing treatment, having had care in both 2001 and 2017. He wrote himself that, “the support I have received from my family, colleagues and fans means more to me than I can say. It’s given me the strength and support to speak about my illness with others.”
Whilst not everyone can afford rehab or are in a position to wait for help from the NHS, Talk To Frank can be the first step in gaining friendly, confidential advice. Not everyone feels that they can reach out to family and friends, but support can always be found no matter where you are or what you are doing. Mind also offer free local resources to help someone find the help and support they need by sharing anonymously with others.
Former Spice Girl, Mel B, entered into rehabilitation last month to tackle addictions to alcohol, cocaine and sex, following an “incredibly difficult” six months, during her divorce from her ex-husband. Having been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, she is now focusing on writing a book to help confront the “so many issues in my life”. She wants to be a “better version” of herself for her children and is finding an outlet to help with this, through writing.
Olympic Swimmer, Ryan Lochte, is now seeking treatment for alcohol addiction, after he tried to kick down a hotel room door. After battling alcohol addiction for many years, his destructive pattern is now turning into a wake-up call for him, having luckily not been arrested for his drunk and disorderly behaviour. After his treatment, his focus will be on dominating the swimming pool at his 5th Olympic Games in 2020.
There are many ways to find focus in life, whether in your family and friends, career, profession or hobbies, or by putting pen to paper. Our own, Martin from Help 4 Addiction, took to the camera to tell his story and now helps others in need with our team here in London.
Use the support you have, find the help you deserve, and focus on what really matters around you.
