Dele Alli reveals addiction, childhood sexual abuse

Dele Alli Opens Up About Addiction, Mental Health, and Trauma Treatment

Introduction

On July 13, 2023, Everton midfielder Dele Alli shared his recent experience at a rehab facility in the United States, where he spent six weeks receiving treatment for addiction, mental health issues, and trauma. In an interview with Gary Neville’s YouTube channel, The Overlap, Alli revealed that he had become addicted to sleep medication as a coping mechanism for childhood traumas, including sexual abuse at the age of six. Alli hopes that by sharing his story, he can inspire others and raise awareness about the importance of seeking help.

Seeking Help and Breaking the Cycle

Alli returned to Everton this summer after spending the previous season on loan at Besiktas. However, when he was informed that he needed another surgery, he recognized the negative cycle that was beginning to emerge and decided to seek professional help. Alli emphasizes that seeking treatment is a personal decision and that individuals must be willing to make that choice themselves for it to be effective. He acknowledges that he was caught in a harmful cycle and relied on unhealthy coping mechanisms.

Sharing His Story to Help Others

Alli left the rehab facility three weeks ago and is now sharing his story to support and encourage others who may be facing similar challenges. He wants people to know that they are not alone in their struggles and that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but rather a display of strength. By speaking out and sharing his own experiences, Alli hopes to break the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction.

Childhood Traumas and Coping Mechanisms

Alli opens up about the traumas he experienced during his childhood in Milton Keynes. He reveals that he was sexually abused at the age of six by a family friend and engaged in harmful behaviors such as smoking at seven and selling drugs at eight. However, at the age of 11, Alli was adopted by a supportive family who provided him with a loving environment. He reflects on how these traumas unknowingly influenced his actions and led him to engage in self-destructive behaviors as a means of numbing his emotions.

A Turning Point and Consideration of Retirement

Alli admits that he hid his addiction from his adopted family and teammates who tried to help him. At the age of 24, during José Mourinho’s tenure as manager, Alli reached a breaking point. He recalls a session where he contemplated retiring from professional football, which deeply saddened him. This moment served as a wake-up call for Alli, prompting him to confront his struggles and seek the necessary support.

Rebuilding and Looking Ahead

Alli’s career saw significant success during his time at Tottenham, where he played a vital role in the team’s journey to the 2019 Champions League final. However, he experienced a decline in form and fell out of favor at Spurs. In January 2022, he moved to Everton but has had limited appearances for the club. Alli is determined to fight for his place in Sean Dyche’s team this season and asserts that he is currently in the best mental state he has ever been.

A Message of Gratitude and Resilience

Alli expresses gratitude towards those who have supported him throughout his journey. He acknowledges that the challenges he faced have made him a stronger and more resilient person. Alli aims to prove himself right by demonstrating his abilities both on and off the field. He believes in his potential as a player and as an individual, and he is determined to overcome his personal battles.

Alli’s openness about his struggles has garnered support from fellow players, including England captain and former teammate Harry Kane, who expressed his pride in Alli’s resilience.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
• SDG 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
• SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
• SDG 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 3.4: Number of people accessing mental health services and treatment for addiction.
• Indicator for SDG 5.2: Number of reported cases of violence against women and girls.
• Indicator for SDG 10.2: Proportion of the population with access to essential services, including mental health and trauma treatment.
• Indicator for SDG 16.2: Number of reported cases of child abuse and exploitation.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Note: The specific indicators mentioned in the article are implied based on the issues discussed.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: espn.com

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.