Former England midfielder Danny Murphy has revealed his battle with cocaine addiction following the conclusion of his professional football career.
The 47-year-old, known for his stints at clubs such as Liverpool, Fulham, and Tottenham Hotspur, opened up about his struggles in a candid interview with the Ben Heath Podcast.
Murphy, who retired from professional football in 2013, highlighted the challenges athletes face when transitioning away from the sport.
He attributed his addiction to the loss of the adrenaline and dopamine rushes that football provided, leaving a void that substances like cocaine and marijuana temporarily filled.
“When you don’t have football, problems become huge,” Murphy explained. “The adrenaline and dopamine, all these things keep you forward-thinking and energetic.”
The former midfielder admitted to a period of addiction to cocaine, acknowledging that it escalated gradually until it had a firm grip on him. He described managing his substance use initially but eventually found himself unable to function without it.
“You manage it initially, but you might do it once a week, twice a week, and give yourself an extra third day. Eventually, it builds up and grabs hold of you,” Murphy recounted.
However, he emphasized the importance of seeking support and undergoing therapy to address his issues. Despite the challenges, Murphy expressed gratitude for the personal growth and newfound desire for self-improvement that emerged from his journey towards recovery.
Murphy’s illustrious football career saw him represent prominent clubs such as Liverpool, Charlton Athletic, and Fulham. He earned nine caps for the England national team during his tenure at Liverpool and was part of the squad that clinched the FA Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Cup in 2001.
Reflecting on his post-retirement struggles, Murphy noted a period of intense difficulty but highlighted a turning point in 2017 that sparked a renewed determination to overcome his challenges.
“I had a year of being in a world of pain…but that year to 18 months from 2017 gave me a desire to be better that I didn’t have before,” Murphy stated.
His revelation sheds light on a pervasive issue within the footballing community, with Murphy acknowledging that many former players face similar struggles after hanging up their boots.
He expressed surprise at the number of individuals who reached out to him upon hearing his story. Dr. Michael Bennett, the director of player wellbeing at the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), affirmed the union’s commitment to supporting members grappling with addiction issues.
This support comes in the wake of Everton midfielder Dele Alli and former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland also speaking out about their battles with addiction to sleeping pills and painkillers, respectively.
“I’ve had some real depths of despair,” Murphy admitted while acknowledging the increasing availability of support for athletes facing similar challenges.
However, he cautioned that there is no fail-safe solution, indicating that ongoing efforts are necessary to address the issue effectively.
Murphy’s bravery in sharing his story serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health support for athletes, both during and after their careers.
His journey towards recovery highlights the resilience and determination required to overcome addiction and reclaim one’s life.
As the footballing community grapples with the complexities of post-retirement challenges, Murphy’s openness encourages continued dialogue and underscores the necessity of robust support systems for athletes facing similar struggles.
This article was created using automation and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
