“I
still remember the days locked up in my room, not wanting to talk to anyone,
not wanting to see anyone, really not wanting to live, and I was on a downward
spiral; on the express elevator to the bottom floor, wherever that might be.”
Does
this sound like your child? Your friend? Your spouse?
This
was a statement made by Michael Phelps about his mental attitude just a couple
years ago. Yes, that same Michael Phelps
who is currently the most decorated Olympic athlete of all time, with his 28
medals (23 of them gold). At the time,
it appeared that he was on a path to self-destruction that could ruin his reputation,
Olympic ambitions, and financial future – everything that he had worked so hard
for.
In
that same interview, Michael also made the following comment about the time he
spent in rehab: “It was a great
experience, and I learned a lot about myself.”
Perhaps
Michael Phelps’ story of self-loathing accompanied by alcohol and drug abuse, followed by his
beneficial involvement in rehab, can be an inspiration to others
who are feeling the same pain and hopelessness. There are resources available
that can help them find that same commitment to change, if they are receptive.
For
an article on Michael’s turnaround, titled Michael Phelps: The Importance of His Recovery and Return
to the Olympics, click on this link.
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