Former England rugby league star James Graham has bravely revealed he spent a week in a rehabilitation facility to address serious mental health struggles and issues with alcohol.
A Courageous Public Admission
The ex-St Helens and Great Britain prop, now 40, made the emotional disclosure during a recent podcast appearance. Graham decided to share his private ordeal publicly in the hope of encouraging other men facing similar battles to seek professional support.
Graham confessed that the past year had been "particularly hard", leading to his decision to check into a specialist facility. He admitted to telling people he was "away on holidays" when he was actually undergoing treatment. "Not many people know about this … I made the decision to go to rehab," he shared.
The Turning Point and a Friend's Fear
The sporting legend explained that a stark message from his childhood best friend acted as a major wake-up call. After a heavy drinking session while on tour, Graham went off his phone for a couple of days.
When they next spoke, his friend's words "hit him between the eyes". "He said: 'Lad, I actually genuinely worry you’ve done something when I don’t hear from you'," Graham recounted on The Bye Round podcast. His friend had feared Graham might have taken his own life.
While Graham assured he would never do such a thing, hearing his friend's profound concern was a pivotal moment. This incident highlighted the hidden toll his struggles were taking.
Short-Term Fix and Old Habits
Graham described his week in rehab as a transformative, albeit nerve-wracking, experience. "I felt like a new person," he said, praising the process and urging others to consider it. "I can’t recommend it highly enough."
However, he was candid about the ongoing nature of his recovery. He acknowledged that one week "wasn’t long enough" and that he has since begun to "slip back into old habits", specifically citing "unnecessary drinking and abuse of alcohol".
The transition from his 17-year professional sports career, which provided built-in structure and stimulation, has been challenging. Graham has previously spoken about battles with anxiety, depression, and a destructive pursuit of perfectionism.
From the Pitch to a New Purpose
Since retiring, Graham has forged a successful new career as a rugby league commentator in Australia. His decision to speak more widely about his mental health came after positive feedback from discussing it at dedicated events.
By bringing his story to a broader audience, the rugby league legend aims to destigmatise seeking help. His powerful message is one of vulnerability, resilience, and the importance of reaching out, reminding everyone that even tough sports icons face internal battles.
