Overall, victims of addiction can view their lives in a variety of ways. On one hand, you may meet some recovering addicts who hate themselves for the way they have behaved or are cautious about interacting with other people. On the other hand, you have a special group of people who use this dangerous test to their advantage and consider it a risky learning experience. Just ask former NBA player Vin Baker, whose severe alcohol use (and additional problems) brought his professional basketball career to a screeching halt. While he works in the coffee business now, Baker is convinced his addiction helped him grow. Let’s take a closer look and find out what else he had to say.
A Fall from Success
Ultimately, fans of basketball will probably sigh with frustration, wondering why an incredibly skilled basketball player allowed his career to crumble. However, for the now 47-year old Vin Baker, his life has continued to take many positive turns, even though his NBA career was marked with tragedy. As he explains, in the later part of his career, he suffered from a severe bout of alcoholism and, as a result of poor judgment, lost almost $100 million of his total earnings. Over three times, he was suspended from his team, the Boston Celtics. At one point, after a 13-year run with the NBA team, Baker retired to his hometown to pursue a different kind of business: coffee.
Formula for Loss, Good Life Lesson
As Baker explains, the mixture of excessive spending and alcohol abuse is a recipe for disaster, as well as a definitive formula for failure. He even discusses how fame and fortune can, for some people, lead to more problems than before. So, what is his advice to new players and recovering addicts? Baker says you need to surround yourself with people who love you, not with troublemakers who pretend to be your friends.
Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Abuse or Alcoholism
Alcohol abuse and alcoholism are unfortunate aspects of reality. Imagine the pain a person experiences on a daily basis as they cope with their attachment to a dangerous substance like booze. As easy as it may be to attempt to walk away from a substance that has taken its hold over you, though, you have to remember that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Addiction is not your fault and never will be.
If you are suffering from a severe case of drug addiction or alcoholism, or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process detox and withdrawal and guide you through each step of the rehabilitation process to help you overcome your attachment to dangerous drugs and alcoholic drinks.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
