Air documentary, psychiatrist urges
Nick Miller
December 18, 2008
A KEY psychiatric adviser for the documentary on Ben Cousins' fight with addiction has urged Richmond Football Club to allow it to be broadcast.
Dan Lubman, associate professor of addiction at Orygen Youth Health in Melbourne, said it contained important messages that could help other young addicts, and their friends and families.
A film team has been following Cousins for the past year, documenting his battle with drug addiction and fight to return to football.
As part of the deal to play again, Cousins agreed that Richmond would have the power of veto over the result.
Associate Professor Lubman was interviewed for the documentary and spoke to Cousins and his manager about the recovery process.
"I think this has been a very brave move by Ben, and I think his story is a very important one," Dr Lubman said. "Hopefully it will increase awareness of the struggle, the impact on individuals and their families and friends, of addiction.
"It will instruct people about what it's like to admit to a drug problem, and what it takes on the journey to recovery."
He said that despite Cousins' fame, he was struck by the parallels with the stories of "more anonymous" young people he had helped in the past.
"It highlights quite profoundly the stigma associated with addiction," he said. "Even though a person may be up-front, admitting a problem and seeking treatment, they are shunned and stigmatised, even humiliated. Doors close, people don't want to know.
"We have a very nihilistic view of addiction, it's from the Middle Ages: that addiction shows a lack of moral will, the idea that people who are addicted are depraved members of the community."
However, there is also a positive side to Cousins' story — showing that it is possible to admit to the problem, reach out for help and begin the process of recovery.
"Hopefully (the film) will bring into public focus a real discussion about how we as a community respond to people who have problems with addiction. Obviously Richmond has commercial considerations at heart, they are worried about the negative impact on the club. But hopefully it will increase debate and discussion. It would be worthwhile for it to be aired."
http://www.theage.com.au/national/air-documentary-psychiatrist-urges-20081217-70t1.html
