'Gascoigne will only get better if he helps himself': Barton's moving account of the depths of alcohol addiction PUBLISHED: 16:49 GMT, 15 February 2013 | UPDATED: 16:54 GMT, 15 February 2013 Comments (45) Share . . BARTON BLOG Click here to read Joey Barton's blog post in full . Joey Barton has written a moving account of his âintolerable battleâ with alcoholism and believes Paul Gascoigne will only ever get better if he wants to help himself. In a heartfelt blog on his website, Barton reveals the depths of his addiction that left him with rage he describes as âan enduring flow of unstoppable lavaâ. The midfielder, now blossoming in the French league with Marseille, also reveals that the PFA have been quietly paying Gascoigneâs rent for years in a bid to help beat his addictions. But he pulls no punches when he argues that the only way Gascoigne can come back from the brink is by choosing to help himself. Heartfelt: Joey Barton has written a blog post about the despair of alcohol addiction in light of Paul Gascoigne starting his rehabilitation in the United States Of his own experience, he writes: âIn dealing with the disease of alcoholism or mental illness, there is no simple key which will unlock the devastatingly destructive behaviours and allow the individual to recover. âIt is without doubt a disease of denial, something that tells you whilst you are doing it that it is the answer, the crutch, the only thing that maintains some resemblance of balanced mental health. âI thought that if I didnât drink then things would be ok, and admittedly that is the start. But if you take away the drug which at a level helped, it has to be replaced with an alternative. âOtherwise, like me, youâll walk around like a bomb waiting to fuse. A dry drunk. A drunk who doesnât drink but writhes and seethes, battles with true sober feelings and emotions, a person on the edge because as destructive as it was, the drug helped to keep some of the madness in the head at bay. âUnmedicated with alcohol, the volcano starts to erupt, gently at first and then it becomes an enduring flow of unstoppable lava.â He concludes: âIt was only when I accepted my condition, my need for support and the horrendous realisation that I had to ask for help and could not do it alone. Only then did this scared, frightened but arrogant man become teachable.â Barton writes of his gratitude of the support he receives from the PFA, family and friends, and specifically Peter Kay, who coached him through overcoming his problem. He then says the PFA have been trying to help Gascoigne for years, but questions whether the current solution is the best for one fallen idol. âPaul Gascoigne is currently at the jumping off place. He cannot live with a drink but cannot see life without it. âThe PFA have funded nearly half a dozen treatments and detox for Paul over the years. They have been paying his rent for several years, quietly and without fanfare. Theyâve provided the very best psychotherapists and psychiatrists. 'He went to the same clinic as me, The Sporting Chance, whilst being mentored and supported by the then Chief Exec Peter Kay. He left a month later drug and alcohol free. âMaybe the loud voices calling for financial support towards Paul should learn a little more before berating those organisations within football for apparently not supporting sufficiently. I am informed, because I took the trouble to learn and find out that most top professionals in the field would not have advocated further treatment at this stage. âSeveral players have publicly given to the PG fund merely to appease their conscience, if, tragically Paul did not make it. If Paul wants help then that is a different story. âI have been told that Paul, only accepted to go to treatment this time if the country he would rehab in, was of a good climate, so as he could get a âgood tanâ. I was staggered when I was told this. âThe treatment centre in Arizona will be delighted with the £30,000 that will be coming their way via the very public money raised, but what on earth are the PFA to do when a lesser known player comes forward looking for help? It sets a precedent. Is the PFA going to keep signing these cheques because Gary Mabbutt goes on Sky Sports news? âTough love is a better approach; let Paul start to take actions himself with the hands of support around him. Letâs not rely on special funds because he was a special player it sets a dangerous, unsustainable precedent. âOffer Paul a choice. If he agrees full support, full support should be offered. If not, stop paying his rent and funding his lifestyle.â Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...ascoigne-alcohol-addiction.html#ixzz2L8f2FXod Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
At least this time Barton is speaking with a good degree of knowledge about something he has personally experienced. Makes a change from talking out of his arse.
You have to say Joey is spot-on with this. Gazza has been through so many 'episodes' and always reverts to type. Sadly, you get the feeling it will end tragically...
Surprise no one is talking about Joey so he picks up on the Gazza story? What a attention seeking media loving muppet he is.
What a self-centred, whiny little punk this guy is. Poor me poor me, pour another drink. So little Joey suffered alcoholism did he? Give me a break. I loathe Joey Barton more than any player that's ever played for the Club.
I read his tweets earlier in the week regarding Gazza and how all these players have come out and declared their sympathy for him and will be donating £xxx amount of money. I make him spot on, most, if not all, were doing it for their own publicity. He was saying that if they were really concerned they would do whatever they could without going to The Sun and saying "look what I'm doing". He also pointed out that when he last saw Gazza he was in a bad way, yet his "friends" and agent were forcing him to go to Argentina to participate in Total Wipeout when it was obvious he needed immediate help. (I don't think he did it in the end for physical reasons and his daughter took his place, I believe). I don't particularly like Barton, but that's twice in a couple of weeks I found myself agreeing with what he was saying. He usually talks bollocks but he's dead right on this occasion.
And you don't think he's doing this for his own publicity? Ellers has this guy off to a tee in his short post.
Bit cynical Ellers and Swords! I can't stand Barton either. But he does know what he's talking about here. It's hard to be honest and accept addictions and mental illness are one and the same and are a physical and mental problem. Maybe Barton only wrote this for his own publicity.. moot point, for me if articles like this lead to a greater and wider understanding.
