Rock Bottom

An autobiography of the England and Arsenal football star, Paul Merson. It includes a frank account of Merson's addiction to drugs, alcohol and gambling and of his rehabilitation. Paul's wife, Lorraine describes how she coped with her husband's addictions and her role in his survival. The book describes Paul Merson's childhood, his early talent for football and his rise to the top of his profession. It also focuses on his addictive personality. For many years, Merson lived a double life, managing to combine the life of an addict with that of a star goal scorer for England and Arsenal. His life was a see-saw of exhilarating highs and debilitating lows, until in Autumn 1994 he hit rock bottom and knew that he could pretend no more, that he needed help. In this book Paul Merson lays himself bare. Writing from the perspective of a recovering addict and using extracts from the diaries he kept during his rehabilitation, Merson delivers a candid self portrait.