'Nothing is OK' Liam Knight opens up on his battle with alcohol and tough upbringing | Fox League

Summary

In this revealing interview, Liam Knight discusses his journey from a tumultuous childhood to professional rugby, including his struggles with alcohol, depression, and the impact of his party lifestyle on his career. He candidly shares his path to sobriety, the importance of seeking help, and the transformative experience of rehabilitation. Knight's narrative underscores the significance of mental health awareness and the power of resilience in the face of adversity.

Takeaways

• 🏥 The interviewee is in the final stages of rehabilitation for a knee injury, having been through a tough seven and a half months.
• 🏃‍♂️ He has not run for about 17 weeks during his recovery and is now able to run again, indicating progress in his physical therapy.
• 🥂 The interviewee admits to a period of alcohol misuse, which he kept hidden, leading to a downward spiral and feelings of depression.
• 🔑 He realized the negative impact of alcohol on his life when it stopped providing an escape and left him feeling numb.
• 🙏 Asking for help was a significant and frightening step for him, but it marked a turning point in addressing his issues.
• 🌟 The support from a lady named Janelle, who works with athletes behind the scenes, was crucial in his decision to enter rehabilitation.
• 🧘‍♂️ The interviewee found inspiration and a desire for change while in rehab, listening to others' stories and recognizing his own potential for a better path.
• 🏆 He emphasizes the importance of continuing to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings even after leaving rehab to maintain his progress.
• 🗣️ Choosing to speak publicly about his struggles was driven by a desire to help others who might be going through similar experiences and to break the stigma around men discussing their issues.
• 🏡 Reflecting on his childhood, he acknowledges the impact of losing his mother at a young age and the instability of living in multiple places, which has shaped his personality and trust in others.

Q & A

How is Liam's knee rehabilitation progressing?

Liam's knee rehabilitation is going well, he's running and in the home stretch of recovery, looking at about six to seven weeks before he's back in action.

What was the most challenging period for Liam during his recovery?

The first four to five months were the hardest for Liam as he couldn't run for about 17 weeks and was doing tedious rehab exercises.

When did Liam realize that his alcohol consumption was becoming a problem?

Liam realized his alcohol consumption was a problem when it stopped providing an escape and he felt numb all the time, leading him to a dark place.

What was Liam's experience like when he first entered the rehabilitation center?

Initially, Liam felt on edge at the rehabilitation center, but as he started attending meetings and hearing others' stories, he found it inspiring and it motivated him to change.

Why did Liam decide to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings after rehab?

Liam decided to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings to continue his path of sobriety and avoid falling back into old habits, as he was advised during rehab that many people relapse after leaving such programs.

What prompted Liam to talk about his struggles publicly?

Liam chose to talk about his struggles publicly to help others who might be in similar situations and to break the stigma around men discussing their issues, hoping his story could encourage others to seek help.

How did Liam's unstable childhood and moving around frequently affect him?

Liam's unstable childhood and frequent moving led to trust issues and shaped his relationships with people, making him adaptable but also cold at times.

What was the turning point for Liam that led him to change his lifestyle?

The turning point for Liam was when he realized he was sabotaging his own life and decided to ask for help, marking the beginning of his journey to change.

How did Liam's relationship with the Jabojevich family impact his life?

The Jabojevich family provided Liam with a sense of stability and support, treating him like one of their own and being a positive influence in his life.

What was Liam's reaction when he first got a call from Wayne Bennett?

Liam initially thought it was a prank call and hung up on Wayne Bennett, but after realizing it was actually him, he was surprised and had a conversation about joining South Sydney.

How did Liam's attitude and behavior change after his conversation with Wayne Bennett?

After his conversation with Wayne Bennett, Liam was given a clean slate and realized he needed to change his ways, leading to a better relationship with his coach and a more focused approach to his career.