'I used to be a happy drunk: I ain’t any more': Paul Gascoigne on alcohol addiction

Paul Gascoigne has described himself as a 'sad drunk' in talking about the nature of his alcohol addiction, and revealed that he recently attended an AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) meeting. Gascoigne said on the High Performance podcast: "If I want to make it a bad day, I'll go in the pub ... I used to be a happy drunk: I ain’t any more, I'm a sad drunk … I don’t go out and drink, I'll drink indoors."
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#PaulGascoigne #Gazza #Alcohol #Alcoholism #Football #News

[@nikitakatenga1565]

As a recovering alcoholic, this really hit hard. All the best Gazza. You deserve to be happy, brother.

[@VinnyCarwash-js8op]

@@ChickityChickenstill being selfish by drinking himself to death too

[@andychatt23]

​@@ChickityChickenMaybe it was for all the pleasure he brought to people through his talent, even those who have never achieved anything but sit in front of their keyboards and criticise!

[@deejay5224]

​@mikeandretti4778 we all have our fallibities. I don't drink, don't smoke, do drugs etc etc but regardless of how he got there, I wish him well not because he was a great player but simply because he's a human being going through a tough time.

[@zzkiplington]

He’s a very fragile soul who needs a support network.Wishing him well.

[@alexrobinson2281]

Top guy , Dunston’s best , canny lad ❤

[@dougreed2257]

Shocking how much he has physically changed😢

[@redl1ght1]

You’d be amazed at how much the body can handle when it comes to booze

[@OhGeeKush]

Mixing booze and coke for decades will take its toll

[@redl1ght1]

@@OhGeeKush it will yet he still lives after all that punishment

[@Sirwren50]

Drink what it can do to you

[@alvarohigino]

He's 56 or 57 and looks like a 74 yo man.

[@xav9258]

Over 11 years without a drink, but in this cold, cruel world it's never easy...

[@joeblogs-vx4ep]

Although I've never been a Alcoholic your words ring very true ...

[@johnmoore9862]

Your words are very prophetic.

[@user-yt5il3yi1z]

Well done, my best is 6 days, but I'm still trying, nobody understands the demons one goes through unless they have experienced it. I tip my hat off to ye.

[@Golfingmadness18]

​@user-yt5il3yi1z I totally understand, for the last 10 years I couldn't get past day 3, I tried over & over. It was a nightmare. I finally stopped on 1st December last year & in a few weeks I will be 4 months sober. What I learned is that there is a big difference wanting to quit & being ready to quit. Life is starting to feel beautiful again

[@studas2011]

Well done, you flipped the switch. I quit over 3 and a half years ago. I would like a drink every day, but it's not worth it and that keeps me away from it.

[@AnthonyWilliams-ew3wp]

Such a nice bloke. No harm in him except towards himself. Such a shame.

[@baldersn4474]

How do you know that ? Who knows wgat yes been up too over the limit on drink amd drugs ?

[@danielbliss8003]

@@baldersn4474 it's always nice to judge people you dont know, bet your squeaky clean. Hopefully if you have times of hard ship others will treat you with the same kindness.

[@annacorcoran6523]

​@@danielbliss8003exactly.❤ dont mind these trolls. Gazza is a legend ❤

[@westynufc90]

​@danielbliss8003 tell him Dan ffs

[@SuperR160]

He doesn't look well at all. Poor guy has been tormented all his life. 😢

[@user-kh6yw2wi1s]

Looks alright for his age

[@Revolver1981]

He's overdone the Botox.

[@ridgydidge925]

Looks like a sick man in his 70's

[@Buddhavibez]

I’m watching a friend currently destroying himself with alcohol and it’s heartbreaking to witness. He’s a great human yet he has no will to live. I feel so helpless that I can’t do anything to help him

[@Humvee369]

you can only keep reminding him you have his back, and you will be there to support him when he is ready to consider help.

[@calum1741]

How much is your friend drinking?

[@kdlofty]

I'm in exactly the same position as you bud, so you've got my sympathy.

[@emiliobertoncini1083]

You most likely caused it

[@joeblogs-vx4ep]

You could try praying for him Saint Jude is the patron Saint of difficult hopeless impossible cases ..

[@TC8787-yq7og]

UK culture trivialises alcohol, binging and addiction. A horrid country for a recovering alcoholic- hopefully he can get clean.

[@raywilson3166]

Exactly this.

[@dogsbollocksgenius9480]

I only got sober when I moved abroad

[@MikeLickorish]

Very true.

[@itsallgood8347]

I only drink a little. I think I agree with you. But what exactly do you mean by trivialise? Just trying to understand your point better.

[@user-bg8wo2pi8u]

@@itsallgood8347 brushing it under the carpet essentially, we don't acknowledge the extent of it, most of us know at least 1 person who has an addiction but nothing happens about it

[@darrenmirfin8737]

Fellow recovering Alkie here, just want to say we love you Gazza. That short interview with such honrsty and humility helped me today. Thanks my brother

[@vilamor007]

From a superstar to a ordinary man, all his so called friends bled him dry, I hope Paul's life gets better for him,he was a genius footballer 💪💪💪

[@CleanNOTSerene]

The thing is addicts will bleed you dry mentally emotionally spiritually financially so at some point people withdraw to save themselves.

[@jmo8934]

I’m amazed he’s still alive.

[@freespeech4023]

As a irishman and I speak for a lot of us , I/ we wish Paul all the success and recovery , I will never forget Italia 90 , the Irish team and the English , what players they were .

[@conorlydon6531]

It's interesting, even after playing for Rangers and the flute incident against Celtic, I absolutely love the guy.... wishing him the best too.

[@user-mp6ny7xg7r]

As an addict and in recovery for 20 years I feel his pain .no one should ever judge. ❤

[@terryduckworth5105]

It’s hard man !!!!! On and off the wagon

[@nicolelochren9560]

You can tell he wants to be free of this demon and he’s looking for help and support.❤he can do it .

[@douglasharley2440]

lol, doesn't sound like that to to me!...dude keeps talking about going to the pub as no problem/etc., but it clearly _is_ a problem! *a big problem.* 😒

[@CHRIS-ky5ku]

​@@douglasharley2440He usually goes many months without having a drink, unfortunately he falls off the wagon every so often which is a problem he still has.

[@douglasharley2440]

@@CHRIS-ky5ku lol, still sounds like a big problem, to me!...i guarantee that when dude is lying on his deathbed he ain't gonna wish he'd done more drinking, he's gonna wish he did LESS.

[@CHRIS-ky5ku]

@douglasharley2440 It is a problem because everytime he does it it's a step back, but the fact he might go 6 or 7 months at a time without drinking means that in reality he probably drinks less than most.

[@johnmoore9862]

I wish him all the best, in my opinion he was the most naturally gifted English footballer ever….. including Sir Stanley Matthews.

[@NicolasValentinScotland]

I cooked paul Gascoigne dinner once in Glasgow high luxury princess’s square and I remember he came to the food hatch and thanks for the food . He played for rangers and for his free time he use to go fly fishing . I am 4 years older than Paul and never earned high salary in my life but I only drink once a week and also kayak fish every week . I probably look 10 years younger than Paul and I am certainly much fitter than the man himself . All this because of the drink . Drinking is a bad habit , need to stop at some point . All the best Paul , you still have days in your life , do the right thing , stop drinking .

[@strickostricko]

It’s not about you Nicolas, have some compassion for goodness sake!

[@k.avilla8061]

@@strickostricko I think you're being a bit harsh here. The man mentioned that Gazza was down to earth enough to thank him for his food and then gave some advice on the problems that drink can cause. He then wished Paul all the best. That does not strike me as being 'about him' or 'lacking compassion', just his opinion about the merits of living a life of moderation. Get over yourself.

[@jb9433]

An odd post.

[@andnowi]

@@strickostricko i suppose you have to go with your gut, but i myself got no kind of bad vibe from the comment, in fact the opposite

[@NicolasValentinScotland]

@@k.avilla8061 exactly. It's a shame to see talented people and loved people going to waste with drinks.

[@dazronch5450]

I hope he can be happy in his life I will always love and respect Gazza he is my hero .

[@sugarcan1110]

Every time I talked about the alcoholism I wanted to drink

[@mjh5437]

Me too,stopped going to AA and stayed clean without for 16 years now.

[@SH66667]

Buy gazza a cup of tea instead, anybody buying him a alcohol is killing him

[@budte]

I had my last drink in 1982. Sobriety is not for people who could benefit from it. It's for people who want it, for whatever reason. I never met anyone who stopped drinking because they were having a great time. There is no problem or difficulty that a drink couldn't make worse for me.

[@ignaciogodoy7095]

You are right, normally, not always, the people who don’t drink is a recover alcoholic

[@kaisersossaa]

The very blessed get sober young and dont waste the prime years of their lives, i didn't get sober until 60, many more regrets at that age.

[@terenceflynn5974]

Keep going Paul 💪

[@Peter-tt3ke]

He's top !

[@oilyrag7429]

20 years sober and one of the first things in recovery I was taught was no poor old me s, stick with the heard Gazza, you just said going to a meeting gives you a buzz

[@Salacious-Crumb]

Ive absolutely loved that geezer my whole life .. the best english player of all time

[@onlygazza]

The media built him up then enjoyed destroying him, I wish him well cos he has done no harm to anyone only himself !

[@Hagg-o-tron]

Well apart from that domestic violence...

[@lesleyhumphreysjones5957]

I'm currently sober, it's a cruel addiction and alcohol is everywhere, people selling poison in a bottle or a can.

[@uksilverstacker413]

Sounds like a you problem.

[@lesleyhumphreysjones5957]

@@uksilverstacker413 ignorance is every where, you know nothing.

[@voiletwhitehorse]

​@uksilverstacker413 still poison ,who would want to drink ethanol

[@christopherchristos7275]

​@@uksilverstacker413Troll off with your embarrassing comments 😊

[@mast3rchief536]

Even in super markets it’s cheaper to buy beer than fruit and veg.

[@muradtalukdar4401]

The country as a whole has battled this for hundreds of years. Ever since the Temperance Movement tried to ban alcohol in England in the 19th century,there have been individualsand organisations trying to lessen alcohol's impact on British society. The crossroads of class, law, morality and health often ended up hurting the working classes the most, whatever the method or outcome. The generational impact continues.

[@KarlNorris-en5si]

Same as George best had a new liver given him and then carried on drinking that was a wasted life and insulting to the dead who gave him that life 😢

[@KryptonitetoallBS]

Addicts don't think that way. Their only thought is about the next drink or fix!

[@gohumberto]

Neither Gazza nor George Best actually wanted to drink themselves to destruction. Addiction is repeating a self-destructive action that you don't want to repeat. I don't think non-addicts can comment meaningfully on the subject. It's like telling someone with depression to "Cheer up".

[@qed456]

I am 405 days sober

[@danielbliss8003]

Been in recovery 19 years now, I sometimes tell people that I was like Gazza but without the footballing talent. I wish him all the best I hope that he's had his last drink. 🤞🏻🙏🏻

[@thetruth1167]

I find alcoholism the strangest addiction

[@gohumberto]

It's a chemical, like all drugs. Certain chemicals affect certain people differently. One chemical addiction is no stranger than any other.

[@JonJonJonJonJonJonJonJon]

Yet it’s the most common 🤔 do some research son

[@thetruth1167]

@JonJonJonJonJonJonJonJon Actually research shows coffee and nicotine are ahead of alcohol as an addiction in modern society, looks like you're the one that needs to brush up grandpa

[@JonJonJonJonJonJonJonJon]

@@thetruth1167 🤣 fair enough. You as confused about those addictions ?

[@stevenaitcheson6938]

The best way to drink is indoors but being online can be a pain lol. I'm a heavy drinker I've been to hundreds of meetings and phoned up AA loads. A lot of alcoholics are single because we choose to be and that is our downfall. I think it makes us bad people because we choose drink over massive societal pressure.

[@derekreid9072]

At least your honest, and tackling it

[@phuketprivateisland441]

Fair comment Steven. It was once a choice, but maybe got out of hand. But there is still a choice...to go to rehab and deal with those underlying reasons of why you "self medicate" with alcohol. I hope you make the right choice one day, Steven. I wish you the very best.

[@RickyRyan718]

Looks late 60’s, what a shame people over indulge in the bad things in life.

[@gwidonpopielski2885]

Britain decided to go left after the war. Now is paying the price.

[@pendafen7405]

This is easily Jack Grealish's future, if he doesn't admit he's got problems, get help and take it seriously before he's 35.

[@brenb70]

Why what happens at 35?

[@maltlickytexas]

@@brenb70At 35, you’re officially declared as being old.😂

[@WINKS50]

Step 1

[@mcfch9625]

Clearly not.

[@mdonoCFC]

So honest

[@user-jc4ms9rl4q]

His sense of humour will always keep him going ❤

[@neavius]

The physical transformation is tragic beyond belief. The fact he's still alive after that long bout , in the news, of coke and drink , what 5 , 6 years back is a testament to what made him who he is a world-class competitor…gold luck for the future

[@limitedmark]

The nation loves this guy, regardless of his demons.

[@Dead-Ball-Situation]

This guy gave us so many enjoyable football moments that will remain immortalised forever. I would love to tell him that if I met him.

[@AscotTradingGroup]

A footballing genius. Wishing you health and happiness, Gazza.

[@Snizzle_Fizzle]

The 'can you remmeber what you did last night' texts 😂

[@bosmanj]

Content lured me in until I noticed Jake Humphrey

[@strickostricko]

Too true. Awful bloke

[@colmjulian5257]

Bumpy crashing down to earth

[@stephenparslow7964]

World class is used to frequently these days, Paul was truly world class. COYS. Stay well fella.

[@rollforever_85]

Seems like a lovely bloke

[@kylesanders3502]

Wait till poor Gazza loses the fight. They will all come out of the woodwork. Lineker will be ‘leading tributes’ of course. Getting some free airtime from ‘that photo’. Cant stand him!

[@philcarson6731]

He has helped Gaza on numerous occasions ..just because you don't agree with his politics you made this comment

[@LTFC1964]

I heard Lineker actually paid for him to have rehab, so his heart is in the right place even if his views and comments are sometimes not welcome.

[@philcarson6731]

@@LTFC1964 correct

[@zingo2664]

YOU ARE A LEGEND GAZZA !!!! ( loved you @ rangers )

[@Algolxxxxxx]

Who says drink is bad for you? He's aged so well doesn't look a day over 30.

[@BigDuke6ixx]

He doesn't look a day older than Peter Reid

[@user-pe2pt2bs7x]

He looks awful 😮 poor man

[@wontbelongnow5567]

Looking worse because all the botox injections.

[@johngilmore697]

Sorry, that was just a noise. All I got there was "broken homes". And a broken home is not an excuse for evil.

[@kmarx7517]

He will never give up the drink.

[@johnnyp4081]

Sadly going the same way as George Best. Was in his company once, was obviously on something, refused autographs and generally made a complete fool of himself. Lost a lot of respect that night.

[@jiblet46]

He’s got 2 years tops.

[@BeatPoet67]

Tragic. He's been an alcoholic his entire life but was one of the best players in the world for a time. The power and vitality of youth is an armour against our addictions until our youth starts to fade. I say this with no malice. I have my own struggles with alcohol - just not on the absolutely bleakest level.

[@lisacomber7771]

He’s only 56 that’s what the demon drink does to ya 😢

[@shazanali692]

He should do a alcohol awareness in schools, look at me when I was 22. Playing for my country, look at me now.

[@lisacomber7771]

@@shazanali692 I totally agree .

[@BradleyCoopertest]

56 years old, let that sink in.

[@carlomaino3572]

One of the best soccer player of all time! Come on Gazza!!! We are all with you brother

[@frankieryan2840]

Gaza is solid gold so many of us can relate to this guy 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿peace and happiness in your life brother

[@DonHalli]

The man deserves some peace. A genius talent!

[@keith_gascoigne]

Runs in the family ❤️

[@bunchlead]

What a player he was. Had he joined United under Ferguson, he would have been in the top 10 greatest players of all time.

[@iandickson1940]

Uncle Gazza!! Gotta Love Him❤🍻🥃

[@mikecondy6010]

That goal against Scotland tho!!! 🔥 And I'm a Scotsman! 😂

[@harveythompson1756]

Always such an interesting and intelligent man.

[@callesierra]

“ pick up a drink to cheer myself up”. The consequences are catastrophic.

[@drumheed]

everyone rooting for you gazza

[@christinestockdale5768]

Bless you you are trying to win the battle in your own way you were a great footballer with such talent you are a lovely man hope your life works out the way you want it to

[@Boilingfrogg]

Love you gaz. Don't talk to the guardian. They don't give two bleeps about the likes of you or us.

[@philcarson6731]

And the daily mail or sun does ?

[@christopherchristos7275]

​@philcarson6731 Where did they say that?

[@rabbit64569]

One of the best footballers of all time hope Gazza can get better he is a Legend ❤❤❤

[@braders96]

Never really faced addiction. Bad habits yes, but I can never understand how people can be addicted to alcohol and drugs. I guess only the person suffering can truely know the reasons why.

[@jamesmccartney5324]

Legend my idol

[@tonywharton5220]

Bless him. Money and fame did this to him ✌️

[@kawaing100]

He is 57...but looks 80.. Alcohol & cigar age you 10 times faster

[@cobbler40]

Alcohol destroys so many lives we all know somebody affected.

[@keybuckley]

I liked him much better wearing the Darth Vadar suit.

[@djdoolittle1315]

Something will get you in the end. Bless you man 💚🤘

[@jamesmccartney5324]

Such a fantastic talent leave Gazza alone the guys a legend. Lazio loved him I remember going to Rome with my ex wife & the waiter gave me tickets for a Lazio home game class. I gave him 100 euros class. Roma & Lazio hate each other lol

[@michaelfeast9869]

I loved him and now I've lost my faith in him.

[@simeonselmon8318]

He looks about 90 years old

[@peteflint7281]

Still a Legend 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@plejady]

56 years old

[@knabzco]

What a mess.

[@dr.paroczipeter838]

LEGEND

[@raoulmoat6762]

Yes Gazza!

[@chickenoriental1210]

😂😂😂

[@enigma7791]

He looks 70 tbh. The ravages of drink.

[@juliefaulkner5497]

Drink ages people, my dad was such a handsome man, a Paul Newman look-a-like, by 60 he looked 90 due to drink, is a terrible curse.

[@enigma7791]

@@juliefaulkner5497 Yeah it's everything else that surrounds the drinking as well. They stop looking after themselves, they don't get any exercise, they don't care for their appearance and the body stops absorbing nutrients. Seen it so many times and they all end up looking the same, this bloated hair thinning unhealthy waxy like look.

[@531c]

Bless you Gazza.

[@rohan-ghosh]

"I dont go out and drink, I drink and go out" Difference between normal and depressed.

[@Mary-po4ti]

Keep being positive, Paul. Hard as it may be. We love you ❤

[@northeast9162]

Gazza a real one

[@paulbryant1042]

Tragic.😢

[@azzazz4549]

I didn't even know this was him

[@terencehennegan1439]

There’s goodness in the man.

[@desjustdes939]

Jaysus Gaz. Man o Man.

[@GerardBurke-fk4so]

Pray for him.

[@sarahdean6441]

Love Gazza. ❤️

[@bawtreerd]

He was atcp the top when alchol was pushed on to him Society slowly realising it is a dangerous substance and not glamorous as once portrayed

[@craigdawson3450]

I know how u feel buddy im in the same boat the workd is a tough place sometimes u just need a drink to forget things

[@robertcatterson8835]

Yep there’s nothing but suffering in a drink for Paul.🙏

[@VinnyCarwash-js8op]

He doesn't want to stop cos he's not learned anything really. Alcohol amplifies whatever you're feeling... so why would you drink to cheer yourself up?..

[@marylynch951]

Well said and I agree 💯

[@johnmoore9862]

It works for a lot of people, I’ll never be a killjoy.

[@miket9371]

You made watching football unpredictable and exciting. Thank you, and all the best with everything.

[@mydayis5]

Still the most talented English player I’ve ever seen!

[@reetpateet8656]

OMG! I am truly shocked at how he looks! Such a shame!

[@Jack-il3qv]

Paul, 'It's not the drink, it's the consequenses.' Sometimes death or insanity.

[@buried2getover499]

" can yi get iz some cerr cayn? Al pay yi" jog on Gaz.