I’ve noticed that my addictions are based an lot around supporting my team during the season and it would ‘justify’ my actions and addictions. I live opposite my local pub and it’s a predominantly Arsenal supporters pub which is my team. I would go in there daily and everyone would bounce off each other and we would all make me feel good about my poor decisions.
The last couple months have been exceptionally difficult. Arsenal won the premier league for the first time in 22 years and we didn’t stop partying for days. And the came the CL final (which we lost). By this day I was so tired and sick from weeks of cocaine, alcohol and weed that I could barely enjoy it. That was the 30th May. I’ve been completely sober since the 31st. I’ve come to despise that pub, the people in it and the sport. And I can no longer stand to watch my friends go down the same path.
Has anyone else experienced sport related addiction and how did you deal with it?
Welcome! Congrats on your early sobriety and reaching out for help.
As a Liverpool fan I’ve been where you are - the season where we won the title for the first time in 30 years is a blur. I don’t remember much of it. When we did it again in 24/25 it was a blur again.
The pub and the crowd within it was a massive part of my addiction. Sport is tribal and the high we get seeing the highs and lows together is powerful. Here’s the thing though; it’s the act of celebrating together that feels good, not the booze. We just do both together so come to mistake one for the other.
I’m 103 days sober but have been trying for 3 years. Part of my recovery has to become designated driver on days when we go to matches. Drunk train or coach journeys are a thing of the past and I get to experience and remember match day way better. Not drinking also means I can afford to go to more matches rather than just watching them in the pub.
Breaking the link with your tribe is NOT easy, and don’t look down on them too much. That was you last week. It will be you again next season unless you commit to making a change. Why not try and take this summer as an excuse for a break from the drinking. 2 months now before the season starts so that could be two sober months, and the start of way better habits. Sure, there’s the World Cup but let’s be honest; tEngland aren’t winning that are they?
Stick around here man. Lots of us have been down this path and being able to remember the football highs is way better than not.
You’ve described how I’m feeling perfectly! And tribal is a great way to describe the group and feelings. I’m just so tired of the comedowns, wasted days in bed, no money etc the cons really do outweigh the pros.
as for the World Cup I plan on watching it at home. And yeah, not like we’re gonna win anything!
Congrats on your sobriety! Hell of a job mate you should be so proud of yourself
I have other hobbies which I’ve sacrificed recently just to sit in the pub. I’d like to spend much less time around boozers and more time outside and at home doing the things I love. I’m exhausted!
Thanks for your reply I’ll definitely stick around
For many of us, our substance of choice has become deeply tied to certain activities, people, and places — but that association can absolutely be changed.
I‘m just thinking of @RaggedTrouseredPhil who manages to go to live gigs sober and enjoys them on a new level.
Read around here a lot and learn about addiction. Congrats on your decision that it’s enough. Always come here and share what’s on your mind when you feel like you want that drink. We are here for you.
Ah, football lad culture. All too bloody relatable. Been there, done that, got multiple Tshirts.
It’s great that you’ve recognised your issues early. I persevered for over 30 years and experienced an endless loop of the things you described.
Wishing you the best to break that cycle and find your recovery journey.
I used to follow my club home and away, but I’ve dropped off a lot over the past few years, mainly because my partner has no interest in football. Gigs and festivals have taken precedence because we’re both big music fans and it’s something we can do together.
Watching live music has always been another excuse to drink, just like game-going. Thankfully I can stay sober for the music. I love being more present for it.
Thank you all for your replies. It’s the first time I’ve been part of a community like this. It’s nice to hear from people who are sober and who have been where I currently am. I appreciate you all
