Report: Josh Hamilton confesses relapse to MLB officials

[KamaAina]

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/report--josh-hamilton-confesses-relapse-to-mlb-officials-013433328.html

We're learning some new information about the circumstances surrounding Josh Hamilton's visit to MLB headquarters Wednesday regarding a "disciplinary issue" that was reportedly worse than a possible "PED" violation.

According to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman, the circumstances are what we feared most, as he's hearing that Hamilton willingly confessed to suffering a relapse in his battle with drug addiction....

Hamilton was previously suspended from 2003-2005, but recovered from his drug and alcohol addiction to win the American League MVP award in 2010, play in two World Series for the Texas Rangers, and sign a $125 million free-agent contract with the Los Angeles Angels following the 2012 season. As a part of that contract, Hamilton was required to take three drug tests a week, so it's interesting to note that Heyman hasn't heard of a failed test.

Heyman also believes Hamilton would be considered a first-time offender, presumably because his past suspension occurred before he was on the major league roster. As such, Hamilton would not be subject to a suspension as long he complies with the league's program. He could still face a 15- to 25- game ban however if he doesn't comply, but his coming forward suggests he's trying to do the right thing by himself and by the league's standards.

edit: I remember reading that the Rangers had a staff member whose sole job was to shadow him in order to make sure that this didn't happen. Don't the Angels have such a person?

[joeybee12]

1. He's probably going to be fighting this all his life...

I wish him well and I also wish the next time he needs to talk to someone he doesn't choose Hannity.

[RockaFowler]

2. Hardest thing ever

I feel so bad for him. He was doing so well, but he is one of those people that needs a structure. I thnk he should have stayed in Texas, just because they had the "structure" that he needed. I'm sorry, but LA was really not the place for him right now.

I live with an addict. It is the hardest thing to deal with on a daily basis.

[JonLP24]

3. Plus there is a lot of outdated one-size-fix-all-fits-all philosphy regarding rehab

Inside Rehab: The Surprising Truth About Addiction Treatment--and How to Get Help That Works is a great book in detailing alternatives or why something that works for someone may not work for another. It mentions if someone self-medicates due to mental issues than they'd need addiction treatment in addition to mental health but not one without the other. Also discusses how little medically educated background are in employed in treatment facilities. Usually someone with a 1 year or 2 with provable (probably ask people at meetings) NA/AA attendance is hired as a counselor or something similar.

Alternatives are often considered blasphemy or there is a lot of unscientific belief regarding the 12-steps & only the 12-steps efficiency. It is hard, I certainly agree. Relapse is part of recovery.

On edit -- A good example is if trauma issues factor into use, encouraged to share, make an inventory, etc backfires when it comes to trauma.