THE ROCKET TELLS OF ADDICTIONS TURMOIL
FIVE-TIME world snooker champion Ronnie O’Sullivan says he is still battling drink and drug demons. He has turned his life around after spells in rehab to fight his addictions. But Ronnie, 41, exclusively told the Daily Star Sunday he faces a daily struggle to stay clean. Ronnie, who has had a well documented battle with alcohol, cannabis and depression, said: “I very rarely drink and no longer really want to drink, but I still have it in me. It’s a conscious choice. “I’ve had to change my circle of friends. I make sure I have a lot of positive things in my life. “But the Ronnie who loved drink and drugs is still in me. If I don’t run, I don’t train and I don’t JAMES INGHAM hang around with the right people I still have it in me to go down that route. “But that just means I’m more conscious and aware of staying one step ahead of it now.” Ronnie, who lost his 1998 Irish Masters title after testing positive for cannabis, was one of the first sporting stars to talk openly about mental health issues after suffering with depression for years. He praised Princes William and Harry for breaking down taboos by publicly speaking about their own problems for the Heads Together campaign. Ronnie, nicknamed The Rocket, said: “I think what the princes have done is fantastic. I spoke about it years ago when there was a lot more stigma, but thankfully times are changing. “I have so much admiration for William and Harry. They have some of their mum in them. Harry may be a prince, but he comes across as just one of the lads.
“William has to toe the line a bit more as he’s the future king, but what wonderful kids Prince Charles and Princess Diana had. It will do huge things for those with mental health problems.
“I know how much I helped other people by speaking out about depression from all the feedback I got. Knowing that has been one of the most important things I’ve ever achieved in my life.
“Thankfully I don’t get depressed much any more, but again it is still in me. I had a really bad week recently when I couldn’t shake myself out of it. But generally I’m much better.”
Perfectionist Ronnie turned his life around with the help of sports psychiatrist Dr Steve Peters.
He admitted: “I’ve had to learn not to listen to the voice in my head saying it’s not good enough. People always say they wouldn’t change anything, but I would change lots of things if I could. My dad going to prison. Ever picking up drink and drugs. I would change those things.
“There’s no better feeling than being fit healthy and running outdoors. I got sidetracked for a while, but I’m glad to have control of my life back.”
The dad-of-two has released his debut novel, Framed. The crime thriller is loosely based on his childhood growing up in the seedy clubs of Soho with his dad jailed for murder.
And he admitted he is thinking about retiring from snooker to write full-time.
Ronnie added: “Yes, I would absolutely retire to be a writer. I’ve already thought about it. But I will wait until I feel I’m secure enough to know I can make a successful career out of it.
“I’m already writing my second book and there are more to come, but whether I can make a successful career out of it only time will tell.”
Framed by Ronnie O’Sullivan is out now in both hardback and paperback.