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Hooked: Addiction and the Long Road to Recovery
Shortlisted for the 2022 Sports Book Awards'brave ... visceral ... a brilliant, brilliant read ... I would recommend this book to everyone.' Nihal Arthanayake, BBC Radio 5 Live'so honest ... everybody should read Hooked to understand what anybody in this situation has been through.' Susanna Reid, Good Morning Britain'a fantastic book ... a remarkable read.' Richard Madeley, Good Morning Britain'Brave, poignant and very moving. This book will change lives.' Jamie Redknapp'A courageous, emotional and vitally important book.' Jeff StellingPaul Merson's wonderfully moving and brutally honest memoir of battling addiction for three decades.For twenty-one years Paul Merson played professional football. He won two First Division titles with Arsenal and was one of the finest players of his generation. But for thirty years Paul Merson has also been an addict. Alcohol, drugs, a desperately unenviable cocktail of addictions and depression which has plagued his entire adult life and driven him to the verge of suicide. 'I've come to realise that I'm powerless over alcohol ... I'm an alcoholic. My drinking and gambling have left a lot of wreckage.' Until recently the drinking and gambling were still raging. 'I wanted to kill myself. I couldn't go on anymore. I just couldn't see a way out.' Then something clicked. 'One day, I was walking home from the pub late on a Sunday evening, and I thought to I've had enough of feeling like this, every day of my life. I rang up Alcoholics Anonymous the next day, and since then I haven't had a drink.'Hooked is Merson's wonderfully moving and brutally honest memoir of battling addiction, searingly charting his journey over three decades. It is absolutely unflinching in detailing his emotional and psychological troughs and in raking over the painful embers of an adult life blighted by such debilitating issues. Hooked will kick-start a crucial national conversation about addiction, depression and the damage they wreak. 'Addiction is the loneliest of places. You're a slave to insecurity and ego. But it has to be you that wants things to change. Never be afraid to the more you talk about the addictions the more it takes the power out of them. You're never alone.'
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2021
41 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 2, 2021
It is far to say that Paul Merson, opens his soul and is very honest when writing this book, reminds me of a Tyson Fury book were he talked about battling with mental health issues, in this book Paul Merson is very honest about his addiction problems during his football career playing years,it is such a good and humble read, it shows that despite being a world class footballer, and world wide famous, that Paul is human and makes the same mistakes we call can make. More than a football book, this book will be very helpful to many people, it does not oversaturate you, or preach too much to you, it is just a humbling read, No editorial errors, eight pages of pictures inside from different periods of his life. I really enjoyed this book, not the typical football book.
January 3, 2022
Very candid , sincere and brutally honest, best book I have read in ages 5*
I have always liked Paul Merson as a player especially as he played for my Team, Middlesbrough . This book captivated me throughout, and Paul's human side is there for all too see , the book doesn't pull any punches and does what it says on the tin , the stories are shocking , tearful and thought provoking, a must read book ,absolutely loved it and it has made me an even bigger fan of Paul due to his honesty.
I have always liked Paul Merson as a player especially as he played for my Team, Middlesbrough . This book captivated me throughout, and Paul's human side is there for all too see , the book doesn't pull any punches and does what it says on the tin , the stories are shocking , tearful and thought provoking, a must read book ,absolutely loved it and it has made me an even bigger fan of Paul due to his honesty.
February 7, 2022
honest man
Read this book thinking it was just another football story, however the truth and honesty of the man came shining through. A good man lost his way now fighting on a daily basis to his life intact, keep believing sir your a credit to your self, family and others.
Read this book thinking it was just another football story, however the truth and honesty of the man came shining through. A good man lost his way now fighting on a daily basis to his life intact, keep believing sir your a credit to your self, family and others.
June 8, 2025
A very insightful and moving read about Paul Merson’s personal challenges and struggles with drinking, gambling, drugs and mental health concerns and his road to recovery. Very interesting reading about his footballing career too, a recommended read for those interested in sports and addiction and how to deal with this and how it affects the individual and their families.
May 31, 2024
Open, frank, honest, deep and most definitely sincere. Regardless of whether you're a football fan or not, I challenge you to read/listen to this book and not come out the other end feeling humbled and aware.
Paul Merson simply lays his life out to the reader with a 'no holes barred' account of his struggle with dyslexia, anxiety and addiction and how they affect his loved ones. Life as a celebrity/high profile sportsperson isn't what we all think it's cracked up to be - they have struggles just the same as the ordinary man on the street.
I listened to the unabridged audible book of Hooked, which Merson doesn't narrate (understandable given his struggle with dyslexia), but the narrator has a similar accent and way of speaking so you kind of get the feel it's him. Well written and fluid - certainly keeps the interest peaked - and probably one of the best books I've read in a long time. Well done Mers!
Paul Merson simply lays his life out to the reader with a 'no holes barred' account of his struggle with dyslexia, anxiety and addiction and how they affect his loved ones. Life as a celebrity/high profile sportsperson isn't what we all think it's cracked up to be - they have struggles just the same as the ordinary man on the street.
I listened to the unabridged audible book of Hooked, which Merson doesn't narrate (understandable given his struggle with dyslexia), but the narrator has a similar accent and way of speaking so you kind of get the feel it's him. Well written and fluid - certainly keeps the interest peaked - and probably one of the best books I've read in a long time. Well done Mers!
June 24, 2024
Excellent book, very honest
August 24, 2022
This is a warts and all biography by Paul Merson detailing his football career at Arsenal, Middlesbrough, Aston Villa and Portsmouth. Half of the book talks about his football and half of it is charts his journey with addiction.
Back in the 90s footballers were real characters, you can add Paul Merson to that pile along with the likes or Paul McGrath, Gazza and Tony Cascarino. Similar to those guys Merse feels clear on the pitch but that feels like his only respite from his addiction demons.
Undoubtedly a gifted footballer, Merse played on George Graham's title winning side with Tony Adams, Michael Thomas, Lee Dixon David Rocastle et al. He spent many years at Arsenal, played for England under Graham Taylor and Glen Hoddle but was shown the door by Terry Venables. He went to play for Boro with Gaza, Villa and of course has a few good stories to tell playing for Harry Rednapp at Portsmouth.
The addiction side of Merson's story is told in some detail and in more detail than I am interested in. It is amazing how selfish addicts are and while it is great Paul can tell his story openly there is not much consideration given to the impact of his actions had on the lives of the people around him. I feel he covers the same ground repeatedly here and maybe that is the point but it doesn't make for interesting reading.
There are some great stories in here. I particularly enjoyed the one after Paul went though the hole coming clean at Arsenal, went to rehab and took the FA ban. When he went back playing football he was still subject to FA drug tests every 30 days so he stayed clean of drugs drink and betting for a number of years.
He was attending meetings and at the height of his sobriety when he tells the story of his Cup Winners Cup semi final penalty shootout. Arsenal were winning 3-2 and Merse was taking the last penalty, if he scored Arsenal were through and if he missed Lombardo had a penalty to win send it into sudden death. Before his rehab Merse never had an issue taking penalties but this time he was shitting it. He misses the penalty and was so upset he says fuck it, I'm getting fucked tonight. 1 minute later Seaman saves the Lombardo penalty, Paul's penalty was forgotten and he stayed on the wagon... for another few months at least until he moved into a house with Gazza at Boro.
Back in the 90s footballers were real characters, you can add Paul Merson to that pile along with the likes or Paul McGrath, Gazza and Tony Cascarino. Similar to those guys Merse feels clear on the pitch but that feels like his only respite from his addiction demons.
Undoubtedly a gifted footballer, Merse played on George Graham's title winning side with Tony Adams, Michael Thomas, Lee Dixon David Rocastle et al. He spent many years at Arsenal, played for England under Graham Taylor and Glen Hoddle but was shown the door by Terry Venables. He went to play for Boro with Gaza, Villa and of course has a few good stories to tell playing for Harry Rednapp at Portsmouth.
The addiction side of Merson's story is told in some detail and in more detail than I am interested in. It is amazing how selfish addicts are and while it is great Paul can tell his story openly there is not much consideration given to the impact of his actions had on the lives of the people around him. I feel he covers the same ground repeatedly here and maybe that is the point but it doesn't make for interesting reading.
There are some great stories in here. I particularly enjoyed the one after Paul went though the hole coming clean at Arsenal, went to rehab and took the FA ban. When he went back playing football he was still subject to FA drug tests every 30 days so he stayed clean of drugs drink and betting for a number of years.
He was attending meetings and at the height of his sobriety when he tells the story of his Cup Winners Cup semi final penalty shootout. Arsenal were winning 3-2 and Merse was taking the last penalty, if he scored Arsenal were through and if he missed Lombardo had a penalty to win send it into sudden death. Before his rehab Merse never had an issue taking penalties but this time he was shitting it. He misses the penalty and was so upset he says fuck it, I'm getting fucked tonight. 1 minute later Seaman saves the Lombardo penalty, Paul's penalty was forgotten and he stayed on the wagon... for another few months at least until he moved into a house with Gazza at Boro.
January 2, 2023
An exceptional account of Paul Merson's own struggle with three addictions, namely gambling, drink and drugs. It is intensely personal and is a very brave attempt to put into words the feelings that drove him to theses addictions that dictated his life for many years. On another level, it is interesting to read about relationships he had with other footballers and those connected with the game of football.
November 28, 2022
Amazing story
I loved this book. It is really important that people with lived experience are able to share their stories. Paul Merson's story is shining the spotlight on our addictions and the power they have over us. He is also an inspiration by being so resilient despite inevitable setbacks. Brilliant!
I loved this book. It is really important that people with lived experience are able to share their stories. Paul Merson's story is shining the spotlight on our addictions and the power they have over us. He is also an inspiration by being so resilient despite inevitable setbacks. Brilliant!
September 1, 2025
Paul Merson’s autobiography Hooked is one of the rawest and most brutally honest football memoirs ever written. Published at a time when footballers rarely revealed the darker sides of their lives, it shocked the sporting world with its candour about addiction, self-destruction, and survival. Far from a glossy account of goals and glory, Hooked is a confessional that lays bare the turmoil behind the public image of a Premier League star.
Merson, who rose to prominence with Arsenal in the late 1980s and 1990s, uses the book to confront his battles with alcoholism, gambling, and later drug addiction. He admits to losing millions at the bookies, hiding vodka bottles from managers, and spiralling into destructive binges that threatened to end both his career and his life. The title is apt: the story is about the many things that had him “hooked,” from football to substances, and the desperate struggle to break free.
What makes the memoir compelling is its sheer honesty. Merson never excuses his behaviour or downplays the damage it caused to his family, relationships, and career. He exposes himself as vulnerable, flawed, and often ashamed, but in doing so, he offers a rare glimpse into the human cost of fame and pressure. At times, the confessions are uncomfortable to read—there are moments of despair so deep they border on heartbreaking. Yet Merson’s natural humour and down-to-earth voice cut through the darkness, reminding readers why he was always such a likeable figure on and off the pitch.
The football itself is not neglected. He recounts Arsenal’s league title wins, his England appearances, and his transfer to Middlesbrough with detail and passion. But these achievements are always overshadowed by the chaos running parallel in his personal life. This duality—the successful footballer and the broken man—is what gives Hooked its emotional punch.
Critically, the book was praised for breaking taboos. Long before football’s current conversations about mental health, Merson put addiction and vulnerability in the spotlight. Some may find the relentless cycle of relapse repetitive, but that repetition mirrors the grim reality of addiction: the same mistakes made again and again until change becomes possible.
Ultimately, Hooked is more than a sports autobiography—it is a story of survival, redemption, and the ongoing fight against personal demons. It remains essential reading not only for football fans but for anyone interested in the human struggles that lurk behind sporting success.
Merson, who rose to prominence with Arsenal in the late 1980s and 1990s, uses the book to confront his battles with alcoholism, gambling, and later drug addiction. He admits to losing millions at the bookies, hiding vodka bottles from managers, and spiralling into destructive binges that threatened to end both his career and his life. The title is apt: the story is about the many things that had him “hooked,” from football to substances, and the desperate struggle to break free.
What makes the memoir compelling is its sheer honesty. Merson never excuses his behaviour or downplays the damage it caused to his family, relationships, and career. He exposes himself as vulnerable, flawed, and often ashamed, but in doing so, he offers a rare glimpse into the human cost of fame and pressure. At times, the confessions are uncomfortable to read—there are moments of despair so deep they border on heartbreaking. Yet Merson’s natural humour and down-to-earth voice cut through the darkness, reminding readers why he was always such a likeable figure on and off the pitch.
The football itself is not neglected. He recounts Arsenal’s league title wins, his England appearances, and his transfer to Middlesbrough with detail and passion. But these achievements are always overshadowed by the chaos running parallel in his personal life. This duality—the successful footballer and the broken man—is what gives Hooked its emotional punch.
Critically, the book was praised for breaking taboos. Long before football’s current conversations about mental health, Merson put addiction and vulnerability in the spotlight. Some may find the relentless cycle of relapse repetitive, but that repetition mirrors the grim reality of addiction: the same mistakes made again and again until change becomes possible.
Ultimately, Hooked is more than a sports autobiography—it is a story of survival, redemption, and the ongoing fight against personal demons. It remains essential reading not only for football fans but for anyone interested in the human struggles that lurk behind sporting success.
April 3, 2024
It’s no secret that I love an autobiography. But I fancied one with a bit of a twist. So when I saw Paul Merson’s ‘Hooked’ in The Works for £3, I couldn’t say no…
For context (and for the non-football fans out there), Paul Merson was my footballing hero when I was about seven years old. I was too young to understand why, but something about the way he played spoke to me. Now, I can say it was his vision, intelligence on the ball, his quick feet and graceful approach. But as a kid you just latch onto favourite players, and once I’d identified Arsenal as my team, I very quickly chose ‘Merse’ as my favourite player.
What the seven year old me didn’t know — like many adult fans and even professionals in the game — was that when Merson wasn’t wowing Highbury crowds on a matchday, he was fighting against compulsive gambling, as well as alcohol and eventually drug addictions.
In ‘Hooked’, Merson opens up about his lifelong struggles and manages to explain addiction — especially his compulsive gambling — in a more accessible way than I’ve seen before. Most of us are fortunate enough not to experience addiction first hand; but that means it’s incredibly hard for us to understand and, above all, empathise with the unlucky few who endure the compulsion.
Critically, Merson hammers home one truth throughout this book: addiction is an illness, not a weakness.
As well as talking about the healthier highs of winning matches, competitions and league titles with the likes of Arsenal, Aston Villa and Portsmouth, Merson honestly and accessibly fills in the blanks. He takes readers from a legendary cup triumph to the need for a bet mere minutes later; and recalls how fast his first Arsenal pay packet was absorbed by his local bookmaker when he was just 16.
These glimpses into his dark reality, masked by the champagne lifestyle of a top English footballer, show us just how little we truly know about the heroes and villains we chant at every weekend.
Above all, Merson’s now well documented struggles highlight the kindness of others and his desire to be a good person. From fond football directors, caring coaches and patient players; to understanding friends and unwavering family members, Merson shows in this book that while his luck may have regularly failed him with the bookies, he’s frequently been a winner with the people in his life who have been determined to see him right.
In his own words: “Hate the illness, love the person.”
For context (and for the non-football fans out there), Paul Merson was my footballing hero when I was about seven years old. I was too young to understand why, but something about the way he played spoke to me. Now, I can say it was his vision, intelligence on the ball, his quick feet and graceful approach. But as a kid you just latch onto favourite players, and once I’d identified Arsenal as my team, I very quickly chose ‘Merse’ as my favourite player.
What the seven year old me didn’t know — like many adult fans and even professionals in the game — was that when Merson wasn’t wowing Highbury crowds on a matchday, he was fighting against compulsive gambling, as well as alcohol and eventually drug addictions.
In ‘Hooked’, Merson opens up about his lifelong struggles and manages to explain addiction — especially his compulsive gambling — in a more accessible way than I’ve seen before. Most of us are fortunate enough not to experience addiction first hand; but that means it’s incredibly hard for us to understand and, above all, empathise with the unlucky few who endure the compulsion.
Critically, Merson hammers home one truth throughout this book: addiction is an illness, not a weakness.
As well as talking about the healthier highs of winning matches, competitions and league titles with the likes of Arsenal, Aston Villa and Portsmouth, Merson honestly and accessibly fills in the blanks. He takes readers from a legendary cup triumph to the need for a bet mere minutes later; and recalls how fast his first Arsenal pay packet was absorbed by his local bookmaker when he was just 16.
These glimpses into his dark reality, masked by the champagne lifestyle of a top English footballer, show us just how little we truly know about the heroes and villains we chant at every weekend.
Above all, Merson’s now well documented struggles highlight the kindness of others and his desire to be a good person. From fond football directors, caring coaches and patient players; to understanding friends and unwavering family members, Merson shows in this book that while his luck may have regularly failed him with the bookies, he’s frequently been a winner with the people in his life who have been determined to see him right.
In his own words: “Hate the illness, love the person.”
November 22, 2023
Sporting autobiographies come in a variety of flavours, with the traditional straight-laced retelling of a career increasingly supplemented by those taking a more humorous, caper-based approach, as well as those at the other end of the spectrum, offering a darker take on tales of misadventure and ill-advised behaviour.
Hooked appears to be ex-Arsenal and England footballer Paul Merson's fourth telling of his life story, with its sombre, greyscale portrait of the author offering a taste of what to expect and coming in sharp contrast with his 2012 effort, How Not to Be A Professional Footballer, which chose as its cover art an image of a smiling Merson on the logo of a can of lager.
Booze, according to Merson, was the second-hardest of his three addictions to quit, with cocaine being the easiest and gambling – as evidenced here – the most difficult. While he was largely able to say goodbye to drugs after his first spell in rehab during the 1990s, Merson's other addictions continued to wreak havoc over his life, and these tales are Hooked's main focus.
Although Merson's candour and bravery - as acknowledged by quotes from celebrity friends on the front cover - is admirable, the book is, like many addiction memoirs, a fairly bleak read.
Unsurprisingly, given everything he has been through and lost, moments of levity are brief, although his channelling of The Fast Show's 13th Duke of Wybourne upon receiving the news from the PFA that his pension worth £750,000 could be paid as a lump sum ("With my reputation? What were they thinking?") is a memorable standout.
Perhaps those seeking a joke would be better advised to read his previous book. (Although, as I haven't, I'm unable to comment on this, or the extent to which any of the content here is repeated from preceding volumes).
However, while any insistence that this is an urgent and unique story might be best taken with a pinch of salt, Hooked remains an affecting and moving tale, well told.
Hooked appears to be ex-Arsenal and England footballer Paul Merson's fourth telling of his life story, with its sombre, greyscale portrait of the author offering a taste of what to expect and coming in sharp contrast with his 2012 effort, How Not to Be A Professional Footballer, which chose as its cover art an image of a smiling Merson on the logo of a can of lager.
Booze, according to Merson, was the second-hardest of his three addictions to quit, with cocaine being the easiest and gambling – as evidenced here – the most difficult. While he was largely able to say goodbye to drugs after his first spell in rehab during the 1990s, Merson's other addictions continued to wreak havoc over his life, and these tales are Hooked's main focus.
Although Merson's candour and bravery - as acknowledged by quotes from celebrity friends on the front cover - is admirable, the book is, like many addiction memoirs, a fairly bleak read.
Unsurprisingly, given everything he has been through and lost, moments of levity are brief, although his channelling of The Fast Show's 13th Duke of Wybourne upon receiving the news from the PFA that his pension worth £750,000 could be paid as a lump sum ("With my reputation? What were they thinking?") is a memorable standout.
Perhaps those seeking a joke would be better advised to read his previous book. (Although, as I haven't, I'm unable to comment on this, or the extent to which any of the content here is repeated from preceding volumes).
However, while any insistence that this is an urgent and unique story might be best taken with a pinch of salt, Hooked remains an affecting and moving tale, well told.
October 9, 2025
I have an interest in football and had previously read Tony Adams story about his addiction.
I found this book interesting and shocking. I find it hard to understand how a professional sportsman can have such a destructive, undisciplined lifestyle but still function at the highest level. The book covers Paul's rise to the top with both Arsenal and England and then through his addictions, a gradual erosion of both club and international careers together with a disjointed private life.
Paul explains his addictions and the spiral he lived in for years, getting clean and then relapsing. On one occasion, when playing for Middlesbrough, Paul Gascoigne joined the club and moved in with Paul. Whoever thought that was a good idea beggars belief!
His story is a rollercoster, and it's great that he is in recovery now, just one day at a time. I wish him well.
I found this book interesting and shocking. I find it hard to understand how a professional sportsman can have such a destructive, undisciplined lifestyle but still function at the highest level. The book covers Paul's rise to the top with both Arsenal and England and then through his addictions, a gradual erosion of both club and international careers together with a disjointed private life.
Paul explains his addictions and the spiral he lived in for years, getting clean and then relapsing. On one occasion, when playing for Middlesbrough, Paul Gascoigne joined the club and moved in with Paul. Whoever thought that was a good idea beggars belief!
His story is a rollercoster, and it's great that he is in recovery now, just one day at a time. I wish him well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2025
Definitely trying to judging the book here not the person.
Similar to my read of Matthew Perrys story, the addictions took over the book, with football/Friends taking a back seat and in the end it made for a heavy read in places. It is perhaps selfish to hope as a football fan to hear more about Merson’s football stories whilst getting to understand his battles with vices. Clearly in both cases, what we might think is their story….is not.
If you are looking for a solely ‘football’ book, this isn’t it despite some really interesting stories throughout. If you are reading to better understand addiction in high level sports athletes this is a very interesting one to follow. Much respect for Merson for fighting against this still and clearly a lovely guy as showcased each Saturday.
3.5. Would love more footy stories in there.
Similar to my read of Matthew Perrys story, the addictions took over the book, with football/Friends taking a back seat and in the end it made for a heavy read in places. It is perhaps selfish to hope as a football fan to hear more about Merson’s football stories whilst getting to understand his battles with vices. Clearly in both cases, what we might think is their story….is not.
If you are looking for a solely ‘football’ book, this isn’t it despite some really interesting stories throughout. If you are reading to better understand addiction in high level sports athletes this is a very interesting one to follow. Much respect for Merson for fighting against this still and clearly a lovely guy as showcased each Saturday.
3.5. Would love more footy stories in there.
April 18, 2023
Just proves there's few things bleaker than addiction. Especially an addiction that becomes all encompassing, out of control. An addiction that impacts not just one person, but everyone around them.
Fair play to Paul Merson for being so honest here. There's no hiding, he owns it and talks extremely frankly about the his drink, drugs and gambling issues.
Think the scariest things probably the gambling, it's not visible, nobody can see it and I agree, as a Society we don't do enough to support it. We just promote it.
The books also covers a great player, naturally talented with an eye for the killer pass.
I'd advise any football fan to read this, but also anyone that's been touched by addiction, either directly or indirectly.
9/10
Fair play to Paul Merson for being so honest here. There's no hiding, he owns it and talks extremely frankly about the his drink, drugs and gambling issues.
Think the scariest things probably the gambling, it's not visible, nobody can see it and I agree, as a Society we don't do enough to support it. We just promote it.
The books also covers a great player, naturally talented with an eye for the killer pass.
I'd advise any football fan to read this, but also anyone that's been touched by addiction, either directly or indirectly.
9/10
December 9, 2022
Paul Merson's story of his near lifelong addictions was never going to be an easy read.
And although it ends with him having been clean for thirty months there's very little to find uplifting for most of the book.
He comes over well and he's the kind of man you wish well. But this is a stark and very honest book about some very dark times indeed.
I suffer with anxiety myself and it's for that reason I was drawn towards Paul and his story. His mantra of only living for today works for him but I find I always need something to look forward to. We're all different I guess?
A powerful and moving story.
And although it ends with him having been clean for thirty months there's very little to find uplifting for most of the book.
He comes over well and he's the kind of man you wish well. But this is a stark and very honest book about some very dark times indeed.
I suffer with anxiety myself and it's for that reason I was drawn towards Paul and his story. His mantra of only living for today works for him but I find I always need something to look forward to. We're all different I guess?
A powerful and moving story.
January 21, 2024
Fantastic.
What I love most is how a bloke who is so normal, so relatable, is so candid about his mental health. There are many famous people who talk about mental health. But Merson is the type of bloke the man on the street would spend time with. Seeing him speak to openly is so powerful
I've read his previous autobiography so even though I knew some stories there was a completely different twist to them.
highly recommend
What I love most is how a bloke who is so normal, so relatable, is so candid about his mental health. There are many famous people who talk about mental health. But Merson is the type of bloke the man on the street would spend time with. Seeing him speak to openly is so powerful
I've read his previous autobiography so even though I knew some stories there was a completely different twist to them.
highly recommend
October 25, 2024
It’s very commendable that Paul was able to open up in a way that he never has to the public before. I can only imagine how cathartic the experience of writing this book would have been.
Very interesting to hear how his addictions were intertwined with playing football at the highest level. Hopefully this book can help others struggle with addiction or those that need a better understanding of it.
Very interesting to hear how his addictions were intertwined with playing football at the highest level. Hopefully this book can help others struggle with addiction or those that need a better understanding of it.
April 13, 2022
Wow ... Recovery from addiction is never complete, just getting through the next day. "Merse" lays it all on the line. This is not a story of a cured addict ... alcohol, gambling and cocaine; he continues to relapse (not the drugs). Gambled and lost over £7M throughout his career and yet still blows his all savings during lockdown. Sad in many ways, yet a true insight into mental illness.
November 5, 2022
Brutally honest account of one man's addictions and how they ruined his life. Merson doesn't hold back with detailing his gambling, drinking and drug use and how especially the gambling and alcohol have plagued him throughout his life and led to the breakdown of two of his marriages and his mental health. Hopefully he can stay sober because as Merson says, the next relapse could be the end.
May 21, 2023
Warts and all from Paul Merson and his addictive personality. Drink, drugs and gambling. A combination which he freely admits led him to some very dark places and ruined certain aspects of his personal life. Admire the man for being open about his problems. He admits to his selfishness but seems to have it all under control.
January 15, 2022
Fascinating insight into how addiction had been treated historically. As a recovering gambling addict, this was a great reminder of the importance of communication as the illness thrives on isolation.
April 29, 2022
I like Paul Merson and he was an unbelievably good player. He reckons he played his best football at Villa but I remember his remarkable performances of 90/91.
This book brings us up to date with his addictions and personal problems.
This book brings us up to date with his addictions and personal problems.
August 25, 2023
Good book, does go on a lot labouring the point addiction is an illness. It seems a sad lad culture in football that thankfully is dying out, I wonder how many gambling, drink and drug addicts there are from this and previous eras!
October 2, 2024
This is a book about the author's lifelong addictions to Alcohol and Gambling. It didn't answer the questions for me. I wanted to find out more about how he managed to overcome those addictions. He did go into some details about his rehab, but I felt it was more about his life as a footballer.
January 21, 2022
Brilliant, I was 'Hooked'
An excellent read and had me hooked from the beginning. Definitely recommended if you are struggling with any form of addiction.
An excellent read and had me hooked from the beginning. Definitely recommended if you are struggling with any form of addiction.
February 24, 2022
I thought this was great. It's powerful and honest. Kudos to Merson for bringing this out.
February 25, 2022
A sad and painful journey documented, not in super detail, but with shocking honesty. Wishing him strength in on-going fight against illness
July 6, 2022
Really honest read, so sad to see how much he has struggled. Sometimes loses the structure and he goes off on one, but maybe the illustrators have done that on purpose to show his butterfly mind.
September 27, 2022
Really fantastic read, very honest on the addictions of alcohol and gambling but easy to read. Anyone familiar with Mersons career will enjoy this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews