Rock Bottom

by Paul Merson

An autobiography of the England and Arsenal football star, Paul Merson. It includes a frank account of Merson's addiction to drugs, alcohol and gambling and of his rehabilitation. Paul's wife, Lorraine describes how she coped with her husband's addictions and her role in his survival. The book describes Paul Merson's childhood, his early talent for football and his rise to the top of his profession. It also focuses on his addictive personality. For many years, Merson lived a double life, managing to combine the life of an addict with that of a star goal scorer for England and Arsenal. His life was a see-saw of exhilarating highs and debilitating lows, until in Autumn 1994 he hit rock bottom and knew that he could pretend no more, that he needed help. In this book Paul Merson lays himself bare. Writing from the perspective of a recovering addict and using extracts from the diaries he kept during his rehabilitation, Merson delivers a candid self portrait.

Genres: Football, Biography, Nonfiction

198 pages, Paperback

First published August 24, 1995

Reviews

[Stephen McCarthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An honest book

[Mr A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor old Merson. How close he came to wasting it all. How good he could have been? Honest and sad in places. Hope he’s happy now.

[Jcogz43 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty standard story of someone falling to addiction. Paul Merson gives great insight on what it means to be an addict and to work with and live with that addiction. An inspiration.