Snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan opens up on his struggles with addiction
Ronnie O’Sullivan feared he would end up ‘in a madhouse or a goddamn drug den’ as he battled addiction and depression early in his career…while The Rocket bids for a record eighth World Championship title in the Crucible
- Snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan is open about his struggle with addiction
- O’Sullivan has admitted that he was afraid he would end up in a drug den
- Early in his career, O’Sullivan was treated for drug-related problems and depression
Ronnie O’Sullivan has revealed that he was afraid he would end up in a drug den.
O’Sullivan is one of the most successful players in snooker history, with a record seven Masters and seven UK Championship titles.
However, early in his career, O’Sullivan was treated for drug-related problems and depression.
Psychiatrist and sports psychologist Steve Peters has helped O’Sullivan overcome his mood swings.
O’Sullivan, 47, spoke of the difficulties he endured.
Ronnie O’Sullivan has revealed that he was afraid he would end up in a drug den
O’Sullivan, who has enjoyed great success, was previously treated for drug-related problems
O’Sullivan told The sun“If you had asked me in 1998 or 1999 where I would be in 24, 25 years, I would never have said, ‘Winning the world championship, feeling good, getting through whatever you’ve been through.’
“A lot of the emotion reflected back to, ‘OK, I made it.’ And I don’t mean winning a tournament. I mean, I made it to 47, not in a madhouse or a bloody drug den looking for my next fix.’
O’Sullivan admitted that he is addicted and expressed his sympathy for people in a similar situation.
He said, “I have tremendous respect for addiction and people who get lost and entangled. There are many great musicians, great athletes, many wonderful people who have succumbed to it.
“Sometimes just because they’re trying to manage their lives. Or the stress that comes with it. Some people gamble. Some people drink. Some people to eat. Addiction is a powerful thing. I’m addicted. I know that.’
O’Sullivan is preparing for the start of the World Snooker Championship, which kicks off on Saturday.
The 47-year-old expressed sympathy for those who have struggled with addiction