Arsenal and England legend opens up on alcohol struggles as he approaches sobriety milestone

Ed Griffiths
Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:21:01 +0000

Tony Adams is preparing to mark a remarkable double milestone this year, with his 60th birthday coinciding with three decades of sobriety on August 16.

The former Arsenal and England captain has published a new book titled "1996" to commemorate the anniversary, collaborating once again with Ian Ridley, who previously co-authored the groundbreaking memoir "Addicted".

Adams, who led Arsenal under both George Graham and Arsène Wenger and captained England at Euro 96, speaks candidly about his achievement.

He said: "I'm really proud that I've not pissed the bed for 30 years, guys. I'm incredibly proud."

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The book marks 30 years since Adams publicly acknowledged his alcoholism following a 44-day drinking binge after England's Euro 96 exit.

Through his Sporting Chance Clinic and Six support network, Adams has witnessed a significant shift in the nature of addiction affecting athletes today.

While alcoholism remains present, prescription painkillers and gambling have emerged as the dominant threats facing modern sportspeople.

Adams said: "We've seen that Tramadol has become an issue with rugby players, right. We've had a couple of suicides recently. There have been issues with jockeys and a young footballer, all Sporting Chance clients."

He describes gambling as "an epidemic" within football and wider society, calling for a three-to-five-year plan to eliminate gambling-related sponsorship from the sport.

Adams said: "Every 14 seconds on television, there's an advert for a gambling company. I'd stop the advertising."

Adams reveals in his new book that addiction runs through his family, with his son Oliver from his first marriage also battling alcoholism.

Watching his son struggle over a decade proved devastating for the former defender.

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Adams said: "When you're watching someone that you love self-destruct over 10 or 12 years, it's one of the most gut-wrenching, emotional things that I've ever done."

Oliver approached his father on St George's Day seeking help, declaring himself "done" with drinking.

Adams took him to a meeting and connected him with a sponsor. His son will reach three years of sobriety this July.

He said: "He's moved to Portugal and he's set up an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting on the beach every Saturday. It's beautiful."

Adams traces his addiction partly to his upbringing, recalling a grandfather who was "a really serious drunk" and a culture that demanded emotional suppression.

The former captain believes his drinking may have contributed to Arsenal's seven-year title drought between 1991 and 1998.

Adams said: "You're only as sick as your secrets. We won the league in 91 and then we didn't win it again until I sobered up."

Rather than hosting a large celebration with former teammates, Adams plans an intimate gathering with a dozen people instrumental in his recovery.

He said: "It's a celebration of recovery. And it's hope, and it's someone that's living a fantastic life because he's got recovery."