PREMIER League stars are among 530 footballers being treated for addiction to drugs, alcohol and gambling and other mental health issues, figures reveal.
Last season, 80 professional players sought therapy for problems with illicit substances such as cocaine and nitrous oxide, as well as sleeping pills and booze.
Brentford Premier League star Christian Norgaard, pictured above, recently revealed he previously feared he was becoming addicted to sleeping tablets.
He said: “It’s a topic that has been going under the radar.”
Some have become addicted to using black market zopiclone tablets to help them sleep as part of their recovery from training.
The stars received treatment from the Sporting Chance clinic, which works with the Professional Footballers’ Association.
Of the 530 supported last season, 42 players got help for gambling addictions.
But these latest PFA figures for 2023-24 are said to be just the tip of the iceberg as scores of top …