From Football Pitch to Rock Bottom: Tony Adams’ Journey to Recovery
 "Tony Adams: From Football Glory to Alcohol Addiction and Recovery")
Tony Adams, a name synonymous with Arsenal and the English national team, never shied away from revealing the dark doping his legendary career – alcoholism. After the recent passing of James W., the director of Sporting Chance, Adams’ charity, the footballer took a moment to reflect on the immense impact James had on his life.
“He was my hero, my therapist, my godfather, and my mentor. He saved my life and helped hundreds of people,” Adams said, his words dripping with heartfelt gratitude.
1996 remains etched in Adams’ memory as a year filled with profound darkness. “I was 29 years old, and I didn’t want to be on the planet,” he admitted.
That February, an injury compounded his struggles, plunging him further into despair. “I knew I was completely cornered – it was the worst place I had ever been. In March, they took my children,” he confided. Though he never drank around them, he had reached a breaking point, passing out one Sunday night after consuming seven bottles of wine. His mother-in-law intervened, taking his children for their own well-being.
It was she who connected him with James W., a pivotal meeting that offered a glimmer of hope.
However, the specter of addiction lingered. The elation of Euro 1996, fueled by his dedication to football and sobriety, was shattered when Gareth Southgate’s penalty miss against Germany in the semi-final sent Adams spiraling.
“Alcohol returned to my hand, and plunged me into a 44-day binge. I was seeing things come out of the closets, paranoid. I thought someone was home. I thought I was killing people,” he recalled, his voice trembling with the memory of that desolate period.
By August, Adams understood he needed a drastic change. He reached out to James, joined Alcoholics Anonymous, and embarked on a path of recovery that would redefine his life.
“She saved my life,” he said of his mother-in-law. “In August ’96, I went to talk to James and join Alcoholics Anonymous. I’ve been clean for 28 years.”
Today, Adams lives by the principles that set him free. “I do what I preach. I have fully recovered, but I continue to attend regular meetings and go to three or four prisons a year, delivering messages of help.”
His story is a testament to the power of resilience, the unwavering support of loved ones, and the transformative power of seeking help when battling addiction.
What message does Tony Adams offer to individuals who are struggling with addiction?
## From Football Pitch to Rock Bottom: Tony Adams’ Journey to Recovery
**Interviewer:** Welcome back, listeners. Today, we delve into the powerful story of Tony Adams, a footballing legend who bravely faced his battle with alcoholism. Tony, thank you for joining us.
**Tony Adams:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** You’ve been very open about your struggles with addiction. What prompted you to share your story publicly?
**Tony Adams:** I realized early on that addiction is a universal struggle, and the stigma surrounding it prevents many from seeking help. By sharing my experiences, I hoped to show others that recovery is possible and encourage them to reach out. [[1](https://kingstoncourier.co.uk/tony-adams-addiction-still-has-a-lot-of-stigma-around-it-kingston-courier-exclusive-interview/)]
**Interviewer:** You’ve talked about 1996 as a particularly difficult year. Can you elaborate on what was happening then and how you ultimately found the strength to seek help?
**Tony Adams:** 1996 was a dark time. I was at the peak of my career, but internally, I was struggling immensely with alcoholism. It took hitting rock bottom, realizing the damage I was inflicting on myself and those around me, to finally admit I needed help.
**Interviewer:** You co-founded Sporting Chance, a charity dedicated to supporting individuals struggling with addiction. What inspired you to create this organization?
**Tony Adams:** My experience taught me the importance of support and understanding. Sporting Chance was born from a desire to create a space where people could access specialized help and build a network of understanding. It is dedicated to the memory of James W., whose invaluable guidance helped me through my own recovery. He was a true hero and mentor.
**Interviewer:** What message would you give to someone who is currently battling addiction?
**Tony Adams:** You are not alone. Addiction is a disease, not a weakness. There is help available, and recovery is possible. Reach out, don’t be afraid to ask for support, and know that you are worthy of a healthy and fulfilling life.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Tony, for your candor and your dedication to helping others.
**Tony Adams:** Thank you for having me.
