Former England midfielder Danny Murphy has said he became addicted to cocaine after his playing career ended.
Murphy played for Crewe Alexandra, Liverpool, Charlton Athletic, Tottenham, Fulham and Blackburn Rovers before retiring in 2013.
He then moved into the world of punditry, working for media outlets such as BBC Sport and Talksport.
“Without football, the problem becomes bigger,” said Murphy, 47. he told the Ben Heath Podcast.
“Playing soccer releases adrenaline and dopamine, which keeps you thinking positively and energized.
“I was addicted to smoking cocaine and marijuana. That drink, I could live without it. I wasn't an alcoholic. Even sitting in the house with alcohol , I was fine without drinking.”
When asked if he was addicted to cocaine, Murphy said, “I was at one point. It got to the point where I thought I couldn't do things without it. That's nonsense. Of course I was addicted.”
“You can get away with it at first, but try doing it once a week, twice a week, three extra days a week. Eventually it builds up and gets you.”
But he said support and therapy helped him work through his issues.
Murphy started his career at Crewe Alexandra before joining Liverpool in 1997.
He spent seven years at Anfield and was part of the team that won the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup in 2001.
Murphy won nine caps for England during his time at Liverpool.
He then played for Charlton Athletic before leaving The Valley in January 2006 to join Tottenham Hotspur.
He moved to Fulham via London, helping them reach the Europa League final in 2010, and ended his career after playing for Blackburn.
Murphy said he had “been in a world of pain for a year” since his career ended, but that “the 18 months between that year and 2017” gave him “a desire to get better that I didn't have before.” He said he gave it to me.
He believes it is common for former players to have similar problems to him, adding that he is “amazed” by how many people have reached out to him.
Dr Michael Bennett, head of player welfare at the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), said the association “regularly supports” members who develop addictions. Everton midfielder Dele Alli has opened up about his addiction to sleeping pills.
Former Liverpool and Coventry City goalkeeper Chris Kirkland also We talked about painkiller addiction. At the best time of this decade.
“I experienced really deep despair,” Murphy said. “There’s even more help now.
“I’m sure there are others, but you can never have a fail-safe system.”
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