After spending much of his life in grim pursuit of his addictions, the former Arsenal and England player Paul Merson opens up on his long personal battles with his gambling addiction and how he was forced to confront his demons again during lockdown.

In this chat with Fearne, Paul Merson explains the importance of speaking up about depression and addiction as especially gamblings addictions are not well understood. He also reflects on the gambling disorder which, in addition to alcoholism and a brief but ruinous addiction to cocaine, has made him understand that addiction is an illness, and doesn't make him a bad person.

What do you think about this week's episode? Do you think there is still a lot of stigmas attached to gambling addiction? Would you like to share your story with us?

Paul Merson's book, 'Hooked: Addiction and the Long Road to Recovery', is out now: https://amzn.to/3AFEaYN

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains frank chat about suicidal thoughts, as well as gambling, alcohol, and drug addiction, so do take care while listening.

Paul Merson is an English football television pundit and former professional footballer and manager. Originally a forward, Merson found success as an attacking midfielder and playmaker later in his career.

You can pre-order Fearne’s new book Speak Your Truth here: https://amzn.to/2HwAkek

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ABOUT HAPPY PLACE

Fearne's HAPPY PLACE is a place to celebrate honesty, authenticity and community. Fearne delves into life, love, loss and everything in-between by chatting to inspiring individuals who have made a change in their own lives or help other people to find different ways of seeing life as she reveals what happiness means to them.

Happy Place is a space that is safe for all where difference is celebrated and the extraordinary is discovered. A place to focus on the positives and to help you find the joy every day - big or small.

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ABOUT FEARNE COTTON

Fearne Cotton is an English television and radio presenter, mother, broadcaster, writer and founder of Happy Place, a place where Fearne holds difficult but important conversations to encourage self-care and self-appreciation, creating a positive impact on the world, giving everyone a voice and actively listening.

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