Former New Zealand rugby league star Matthew Ridge recently opened up about his battle with methamphetamine addiction and the challenges he faced during his time at the New Zealand Warriors. In a candid interview, Ridge discussed the toll his addiction took on both his career and personal life, shedding light on a dark period that overshadowed his time as one of the country’s most prominent players.
Ridge, who enjoyed a successful career with the Warriors and the New Zealand national team in the 1990s, admitted that he was struggling with meth addiction while playing at the height of his career. He revealed that substance abuse was a constant companion during his time with the Warriors, leading to feelings of frustration and a loss of focus on the field. His performance began to suffer as he battled with his inner demons, and the pressure of being in the public eye only intensified his personal struggles.
One of the key frustrations Ridge expressed was the lack of support and understanding within the rugby league community at the time. Mental health and addiction were not as openly discussed as they are today, and Ridge felt isolated in his battle. He also noted the pressure of playing for a team like the Warriors, where expectations were high, but support systems were often lacking for players facing off-field challenges.
Despite these struggles, Ridge eventually sought help and turned his life around. His journey from addiction to recovery has been an inspirational story of resilience, but it also highlights the darker side of professional sports, where athletes often face immense pressure to perform while grappling with personal issues in silence. Ridge’s openness about his experience serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and support in the sporting world.
Leave a Reply