The story of former Dolphins quarterback Ray Lucas highlights the dangers of painkiller addiction for today’s top-level athletes.
It’s the dream of many young boys (and even grown men): to suit up and take the field as a professional football player in the NFL. Ray Lucas had that as a quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, but playing at that level for eight years came at a hefty price. During his time in the NFL, where he also played for the New England Patriots, the New York Jets and the Baltimore Ravens, Lucas suffered from chronic headaches and depression because of the injuries suffered on the field. He retired in 2003.
The 38-year-old recently checking into a treatment facility in Florida Florida for an addiction to painkillers, according to the Associated Press. He’s also keeping an online diary through Facebook that details his battle with a dependence on the prescription drugs. Fans are responding positively, leaving messages filled with well wishes and support.
Lucas currently works as a studio analyst for SportsNet New York and was on location in Dallas prior to the 2011 Super Bowl. But then Lucas left and flew to Florida to begin treatment. His Facebook posts are honest and raw, discussing Lucas’ nervousness as he begins the treatment process, but he’s also hopeful, seeing this as a “way to start my life over,” and he calls the support from the Facebook community “a good sign.”
Making Lucas feel more at home is the fact that former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Randy Grimes is a counselor at the facility, and, according to Lucas, suffered from the same addiction.
On Feb. 17, 2011, Lucas’ most recent post on the Ray Lucas NFL Offical PAST Page read: “A day ago I was packing my sh** & wanted to leave. I can’t sleep & the pain is getting to me. The lead Doc talked me down & explained that my brain was in a craving mode & the thoughts of leaving were tied to that. It was enlightening & I am feeling better. P.A.S.T/ BHOP brought in another ret. NFL player into the player program Sunday. There are so many of us out there. This place & the program are saving lives.”
You don’t have to be a professional athlete to suffer from an addiction to prescription painkillers. If you or someone you love needs help, call La Paloma at the toll-free number on our homepage. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about drug rehab, financing or insurance.
