Addiction, Recovery, and Sports

David Heilman – @DynastyDorks

What is addiction? Addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences per the American Society of Addiction Medicine.  Addiction is highly associated with the poor and the homeless.  But, addiction can affect any of us and even athletes.

Athletes have a high risk of addiction for many reasons…

1. They are exposed to a lifestyle that glorifies drug use and alcohol.

2. They have easy access to these things and they are surrounded by peer pressure along with temptations.

3. Mental health, mental health issues can lead to substance abuse issues and the high stress of these careers can lead to both.

4. Exposure to highly addictive pain medications given to them during injury recovery and sometimes they will use more, in hopes of recovering faster.

The Las Vegas Raiders have had their share of lows this year and in two situations there was alcohol involved.  But, the Raiders have huge bright spots and there just is not enough talk about them.  There needs to be more talk about Darren Waller and Maxx Crosby.  These guys are champions for recovery and these are two of the NFL’s brightest young stars.

Darren Waller’s career almost ended due to his substance use.  Waller’s addiction started in high school and even trouble him in college, getting high on the first day.  Waller was able to make it through college and hide his addiction.  These concerns played into his NFL draft and he was drafted in the 6^th round by the Baltimore Ravens.  Waller’s troubles did not go away as he was suspended by the team several times for failed drug screens and this affected his playing time.  After several failed drug tests for opiates, Waller was suspended for one year.

The reactions from fans were ruthless, calling him a bust, calling him worthless, and what he needed was help.  Waller overdosed and almost died due to his use.  He luckily survived and went to rehab in Maine.  After successfully completing a treatment program and serving his suspension, he got back in the league.  The Raiders took a chance on him and they also changed his position.  Waller has since thrived and became one of the NFL’s best tight ends.

Waller’s story got even better as he became a strong support for one of the Raider’s best young talents who was struggling with his own addiction.  Maxx Crosby recognized that he needed help with his drinking and with the support of Waller has gone through rehabilitation, now celebrating over 18 months of sobriety.  Not only have both of these young men tackled their addiction, but they continue to fight off the demons.

Recently Darren Waller spoke about his recovery and how missing time with an injury was even harder because of his addiction.  What those who have not suffered from addiction tend to not understand is that this is a daily struggle and a lifelong struggle.  Someone chooses to use these substances and now their body has urges and cravings, just like you do with sugar or with your phone.  These cravings are intense and it makes everyday living even harder.

Waller has an addiction to pain medication, which makes his recovery from injury even more difficult.  Most injury recovery is associated with highly addictive pain medication, which a recovering opiate addict can’t consume.  Consuming this could result in relapse and could send them down a dangerous path.  Alcoholics like Maxx Crosby are often surrounded by alcohol at restaurants, parties, and even when they go to the grocery store.  These temptations follow them and these two amazing men just continue to be living proof that recovery is possible.

Zay Jones is another Raiders player that has overcome adversity.  His struggles included a substance-induced mental breakdown that ended with him being hospitalized and released from the Buffalo Bills.  He had a breakout campaign.  We need to see more love and more stories like these, and less hate or stories around situations like Henry Ruggs.  If you know someone struggling with addiction, please know that recovery is possible and it is okay to ask for help.  Help is just a call away, 1-800-622-HELP.

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