Theo Fleury is a Canadian former professional elite ice hockey player. He twice represented Canada at the Winter Olympics, winning a gold medal and a Stanley Cup with the Flames. After battling drug and alcohol addictions that ultimately forced him out of the NHL in 2003, he has becoming a sought after speaker. In 2009 he published his best-selling autobiography – Playing with Fire – which documented years of sexual abuse as a teen by his former coach.

Fleury is also well known for a gigantic taste for alcohol and nearly every type of drug imaginable, an addiction that nearly claimed his life. He retired in 2006, his career cut short by the illness of addiction. The good news is that the hockey star managed to turn his life around and now dedicates his time to helping others escape the downward spiral of addiction.

He recalls his numerous failed drug tests and his attempts at fooling the system, which included tricks such as adding Gatorade to his urine samples. As he spiraled out of control, Fleury gambled away millions of dollars, while strip joints and seedy nightclubs become home away from home. Life became a series of drunken brawls, both on and off the ice.

He completely turned his life around and is helping others. Fleury now speaks openly about sexual abuse and has written two books about his experiences. He is in high demand as a public speaker and uses the opportunity to encourage other victims to tell their stories.

Audio only version: https://theaddictionpodcast.com/2020/05/theo-fleury-former-nhl-star-player-his-story-of-trauma-drugs-stardom-and-success/