AFL legend Ben Cousins reveals how his ‘need to escape’ from the pressures of footy led to his addiction and downward spiral
As a dedicated follower and someone who has witnessed the rollercoaster ride that is Ben Cousins’ life, I must say his journey is nothing short of inspiring. From the heights of AFL glory to the depths of personal struggle, the man has shown an unyielding resilience that is truly awe-inspiring.
Ben Cousins has shared how his need to ‘escape’ from his high pressure football career led to a downward spiral that saw him struggling with addiction.
The AFL legend shared that what initially seemed like relaxing weekend activities gradually morphed into something much more ominous.
‘It can happen so easily’ the 46-year-old tells Ball Magnets podcast.
At the start of my professional journey, I wholeheartedly adopted the idea of putting in a lot of effort and immersing myself fully in football. It seems there were certain aspects of my character or disposition that made me feel the urge to find solace or to step back from things. He elaborated further.
Initially, I engaged in activities that might have seemed harmless at first, but later turned out to be troublesome. At the start, it was about occasional nights out socializing, often involving alcohol, but soon enough, this didn’t satisfy me fully, and I found myself seeking more.
Ben clarified, “Everyone’s journey is unique, but for mine, addiction wasn’t something that occurred suddenly.
‘But there was a bigger picture and then eventually everything unravelled.’
Over the past few years, my cousin has been working hard to rebuild his life following a period of misfortune. However, he acknowledges that this process won’t happen overnight and is prepared to put in the necessary effort. In his own words, he doesn’t believe there’s an easy solution, but rather, he’s ready to make amends for any past mistakes.
He made it clear earlier this year that he fully appreciates the effort and dedication required to reach his current position, as he surely hasn’t overlooked or forgotten about it.
‘It is the long game… You don’t just do something and then all of a sudden it changes overnight.’
In 2005, Ben clinched the Brownlow Medal, and he led the West Coast Eagles as captain from 2001 to 2005. During these seasons, he earned the team’s top honors for fair play, winning their best and fairest awards on four occasions.
He played 238 games and booted 205 goals for the West Coast Eagles, where he won a premiership with the club in 2006.
From the year 2007 onwards, his downfall became widely known, marked by his public struggles with drug abuse and the turmoil of his broken relationship with Maylea Tinecheff.
He was later sacked and copped a one year ban from the AFL for repeated infringements.
2021 saw Susan Backshell, who’s been guiding Cousins post his prison term, express to Daily Mail Australia that he continues to prioritize his children above all else.
2020 found me locked up in a chilly, confined cell for the sixth time over a span of 13 years, serving a seven-month sentence. Enough was enough, I realized, and it was time to break free from this cycle.
In a simpler manner, she said to him, “Either fully commit to changing your ways, or let go of the whole thing completely.
Ever since Cousins was freed from detention around December 2020, Backshell has never doubted his dedication to staying sober or improving the community.
Previously announced that he would be participating in multiple speaking events during his “Such Is Life Tour,” which commenced in July, were the details shared by his cousins last year.
Offering to share unheard stories about his soccer career, this tour served as a form of release or purging for the contentious Brownlow Medal winner.
He has also made a TV comeback, appearing on Dancing With The Stars earlier this year.
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2024-10-05 18:18