Everton midfielder Dele Alli has recently opened up about his struggles with a sleeping pill addiction and his journey to overcome it. In an interview with Gary Neville on The Overlap, the 27-year-old footballer admitted for the first time that he had attended rehab to deal with his dependence on sleeping pills and his mental health struggles.
Taking Responsibility and Seeking Help
Dele Alli took full responsibility for his personal issues and expressed his desire to help others who may be going through similar problems. He revealed that after coming back from Turkey, he discovered that he needed an operation and was in a bad place mentally. It was at this point that he made the decision to go to a modern-day rehab facility that specialized in mental health, addiction, and trauma.
Breaking the Cycle
Dele Alli acknowledged that he had been caught in a harmful cycle, relying on substances that were doing him more harm than good. Although he appeared happy on the outside, he was losing the battle internally. Recognizing the need for change, he decided to seek help. When he got injured and was told he needed surgery, he could feel the familiar feelings that signaled the beginning of the destructive cycle. Determined not to let it happen again, he committed to six weeks of rehab.
Support from Everton
Dele Alli expressed his gratitude towards Everton for their unwavering support throughout his journey. The club was incredibly understanding and open-minded about his decision to seek help. Their support meant the world to him, especially during a time when he was making one of the biggest decisions of his life. Dele Alli admitted that he was initially scared to go to rehab, as it carried a certain stigma. However, he emphasized that he could never have anticipated how much it would help him mentally.
The Benefits of Rehab
Having completed his rehab program three weeks ago, Dele Alli shared that he is now in a good place to talk about his experience. He admitted that he may not have been ready to discuss it so soon after completing the program, but he now feels confident to share his story. Dele Alli emphasized the positive impact rehab had on his mental health, stating that he couldn’t have imagined how much it would help him. He acknowledged that he was in a bad place before seeking help and expressed gratitude for the support he received.
Football’s Addiction to Sleeping Pills
Dele Alli’s revelation sheds light on a bigger issue within the world of football – the addiction to sleeping pills. This addiction is quietly spreading across the game, affecting players’ mental health and overall well-being. The pressure to perform at a high level, combined with the physical demands of the sport, can lead players to rely on substances like sleeping pills to cope with the stress and anxiety.
Raising Awareness and Offering Support
Dele Alli’s openness about his struggles serves as an important reminder that mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of their profession or status. By sharing his story, he hopes to raise awareness about the challenges faced by athletes and encourage others to seek help when needed. Dele Alli also wants to offer support to those who may be struggling with similar problems, letting them know that they are not alone and that there is help available.
In conclusion, Dele Alli’s decision to open up about his sleeping pill addiction and his journey through rehab is a courageous step towards destigmatizing mental health issues in the world of football. His story serves as a reminder that seeking help is a sign of strength, and that with the right support, individuals can overcome their struggles and find their way to a healthier and happier life.