Addiction involves craving for something intensely, loss of control over its use, and continuing involvement with it despite adverse consequences. Addiction changes the brain, first by subverting the way it registers pleasure and then by corrupting other normal drives such as learning and motivation. Although breaking an addiction is tough, it can be done.
What causes addiction?
The word โaddictionโ is derived from a Latin term for โenslaved byโ or โbound to.โ Anyone who has struggled to overcome an addictionโor has tried to help someone else to do soโunderstands why.
Addiction to gambling
Paul Merson won two league titles, the FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup with Arsenal. He played for England at the World Cup and European Championship.
He has also lost more than ยฃ7m to gambling in a life dogged by addiction.
In a new filmย Paul Merson: Football, Gambling & Meย now available on BBC iPlayer, the 53-year-old sets out on a journey to try to understand where his compulsion comes from, explores why footballers may be more prone to risk than others, and what may need to be done by companies and the government.
I wouldn’t wish this on anybody. I’ve been addicted to alcohol and cocaine, but the most destructive and only one I’m still struggling with is gambling.
Paul Merson on gambling addiction
Before its release, BBC Sport had a candid discussion with Merson about the film and the issues raised.
You can see the full program online at the BBC here.
