Richmond star Ben Cousins swears off sleeping pills * Al Paton
* Herald Sun
* July 07, 2010 11:27AM BEN Cousins says he won't take sleeping pills again after a mistaken dose sparked a medical scare and a night in hospital.
Cousins spoke this morning for the first time since he was taken to hospital in an ambulance when his girlfriend could not wake him on Monday morning.
Cousins returned to Punt Rd and will train with Richmond tomorrow in a bid to play against Fremantle on Saturday night.
The star midfielder said he had mistaken the dose of prescribed sleeping tablets after the Tigers' thrilling win against Sydney last Sunday.
He would not disclose the medication, saying that was between him and his doctor, but stressed it was all "above board" and "not illegal".
"I got the dosage wrong and had an adverse effect from the medication,'' Cousins said.
"I found myself in a bit of strife and I guess it's probably a lesson for everybody, it's not just the medication that you're taking, but in particular how much of it.
"It's been a big wake-up call for me, so I was in a bit of a bad way a couple of days ago.''
Asked if he would take the pills again, Cousins said no, adding "once bitten, twice shy".
But Cousins said he didn't have a problem with players using caffeine before games.
Cousins said he had asked for an AFL drug test to clear his name because there was always "speculation and innuendo" about him because of his drug history.
He said he did not remember much of the drama that surrounded him early this week.
"I don't remember much of it, to be honest, I was asleep for much of it," he said.
"It was probably more scary for the people around me.
"I was in a fair bit of strife ... in a bit of a bad way a couple of days ago."
Cousins trained briefly and alone on Wednesday, completing a short running session and some kicking and marking with assistant coach Wayne Campbell and fitness staff member Adam Douglas.
"I've been able to tick the legs over today, I feel pretty fresh and with full training tomorrow, I'll do everything I can to convince the match committee to pick me this week against Freo,'' he said.
Asked about his career beyond this season, Cousins said he was indebted to Richmond and would push for another contract to play on next year.
"I've had a great time at Richmond," he said.
"If it ends now I'll be disappointed but I'll walk away a happy person."
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