Paul ‘Gazza’ Gascoigne: Triumphs and Trials in the Fight Against Addiction
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Originally posted on: https://providenceproject.org/resource-hub/gazza-triumphs-trials-against-addiction/
l star during the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy, where he was one of the standout performers for England. His creativity and energy helped England reach the semi-finals.
Unfortunately, his life off the pitch has been marred by a long and public struggle with alcohol addiction.
At the centre of Gazza’s addiction journey is a dedication to staying sober, even as personal tragedies and the pressures of addiction have tested him time and again.
As someone who has been in and out of treatment for decades, including a stay with us at the Providence Projects, Gazza knows firsthand how critical the right support can be to maintaining sobriety.
How Gazza’s Addiction Started
Gazza’s addiction issues began early in his career, with fame and pressure leading him to rely heavily on drinking. As a young footballer, he was exposed to a lifestyle that involved heavy drinking, and he often used alcohol to cope with the pressure of fame and the intensity of professional football.
He has openly spoken about how, at first, he was a “happy drunk” but later turned into a “sad drunk” as alcohol took over his life. His addiction spiralled out of control, and despite attending multiple rehab stints, Paul found himself in a cycle of relapse.
One of the most public setbacks in his journey came after the tragic passing of his nephew, Jay, in 2016. Paul admitted that losing his nephew was one of the lowest points in his life, leading to a relapse during a live tour.
“I’ve had a good life, just this year has been worse. Probably the worst of my life,” he reflected.
According to a 2019 study by FIFPRO (the international union for professional footballers), which surveyed over 1,100 current and former professional footballers:
- 25% of former footballers reported having problems with alcohol after their careers ended.
- 9% of active players reported alcohol-related issues during their careers.
Gazza’s High-Profile Incidents
Gascoigne’s addiction struggles became more apparent in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Numerous high-profile incidents, such as public intoxication, erratic behaviour, and run-ins with the police, highlighted the extent of his troubling alcohol addiction.
These episodes were often captured by the media with paparazzi waiting outside his home, adding to the public nature of his fight.
In 2021, Paul Gascoigne won a lawsuit against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) over phone hacking. Gascoigne was awarded substantial damages (rumoured to be around £188,250) after it was revealed that journalists had illegally intercepted his voicemails, leading to intrusive and fabricated stories. This invasion of privacy caused unprecedented stress to his life, feeling as if he was being constantly watched.
How Providence Projects Helped Gazza
Despite these struggles, Paul has never given up. His time at Providence Projects has been part of his long battle against addiction.
We’re known for our holistic and compassionate approach to addiction treatment, so we gave Paul the structured environment he needed during a critical period of his life.
Located on the south coast, life at the Provy has been designed to help people get away from daily life’s stresses and distractions. Our personalised treatment programmes give people struggling with addiction loads of ways to focus on getting better and learning about the deeper causes of their addiction.
Paul’s experience during his rehabilitation was strengthened by the supportive community, one that understood the ups and downs of addiction.
Fast forward to today, he regularly attends AA meetings, a practice that is part of his relapse prevention strategy.
“It’s not the drink as such, it’s the consequences. You know, it’s afterwards,” he explained, highlighting how the aftermath of drinking causes the most damage in his life.
Gazza’s time at Providence allowed him to reconnect with himself and understand the importance of staying within a supportive network.
Our focus on long-term recovery, providing key contact numbers and continuous aftercare, helped Paul find his way through the choppy waters of addiction at that particular time in his life.
How Support Helps with Relapse
Paul’s addiction story shows the reality of relapse. Gazza said it best himself: “When I am really down, that’s when I pick up a drink to cheer myself up.”
His honesty highlights a truth about addiction. Relapse can happen, but it is not the end of the road. Relapse prevention is something Providence Projects works on with every person who comes through our doors, ensuring they leave with ways to cope with the challenges they face after treatment.
For Paul, this has meant surrounding himself with the right people and attending regular meetings to stay grounded throughout his recovery.
Negative life events are a strong predictor of relapse for individuals recovering from alcohol use disorder. Research shows people with Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) are twice as likely to relapse in response to life stress compared to those with Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD), who are 50% less likely to relapse under similar stress.
Staying Sober Comes with Highs and Lows
Paul’s journey, much like anyone living with addiction, has been filled with highs and lows. While he has faced setbacks, he continues to fight for his sobriety. He stays engaged with the recovery community and uses his story to help others.
Providence Projects played a part in helping him find strength during a crucial time in his life, and our dedication to long-term care has supported his continued battle. Gazza’s addiction story is a testament to the fact that addiction recovery is not a straight road— it’s a winding, ongoing process that needs resilience, support, and commitment.
At Providence Projects, you don’t have to be famous to get our support. We help people from all walks of life get sober and stay sober.
But we know that overcoming addiction requires more than just reaching sobriety—it’s about building a solid foundation for the long term.Our supportive approach provides individuals with the help, guidance, and support they need to kick addiction for good, even when life presents its toughest challenges.
If you or someone you care about is ready to take the first step in their recovery, contact us today.
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