Former Rotherham United defender admits others have reached out to him over painkiller addiction
Ex-Millers defender Ryan Cresswell has been speaking to us about his battle with both painkillers and sleeping tablets in recent years
A former Rotherham United footballer tells us he's eager to raise 'more awareness' about the dangers of becoming addicted to painkillers & sleeping tablets.
Barnsley based Ryan Cresswell-who retired four years ago & now manages non-league side Sheffield FC-has been speaking to us about his own battle with addiction.
The 34-year-old is hoping to break down any stigma attached to the issue in sport by talking openly about his experiences:
"I felt like I needed the tablets. I certainly didn't need them knowing what I know now, but at the time, I felt like I had to do whatever I could to play on a Saturday.
"When I was a player, I wouldn't share with my best mate-who was a teammate-the amount of stuff I was putting in my body.
"I just didn't want to show any signs of weakness, which is a shame, because if I did things could've been different.
"If any players out there are taking more painkillers or sleeping tablets than they should, then just tell someone. It could save your life.
"I thought that when I stopped playing, I'd just be able to stop taking the tablets.
"I found out the hard way that that's not possible, as your body goes into shut down.
"You almost feel like you're dying; you've got sweats, shakes, and you're still putting on a brave face for your loved ones around you.
"It feels as though you're chasing the happy feeling or the sleep constantly.
"All you want to do is feel normal, and when you try to feel normal, you can't because your body is crying out for more tablets.
"It's just a vicious circle, with lots of nightmares and anxiety.
"When you are thinking about coming off sleeping tablets or painkillers, please speak to somebody, just for your own sake, as the withdrawal process can be tricky if not."
"Since speaking openly about this, other footballers have reached out to me. It's worth contacting somebody who knows what you're going through, as they're likely to understand."
Meanwhile, Cresswell is currently 15 months sober after two stints in rehab.