Paul Gascoigne TV Documentary - to feel an empathy I never thought I would have for him?

[SlowlyGoingRoundTheBend]

TBH whenever I scanned over his 'antic's in the news, I would think 'what a bloody mess, why would he do that to himself'. He had fame, money and was doing something he loved.

After watching this tonight, I feel great sadness for him. I am not into football AT ALL, I would feel the same no matter who he was.

It was a very poignant view of the effects of alcoholism. He say's he does not know why he drinks but after reading bits on google, you can get a general idea.

My view of him has changed I have to say as I had judged him on his alcoholism without knowing much about HIM. He has been made a figure of mirth in the press and it is a disgrace.

I think there is a root cause for most, if not all, self destructive behaviour like this and a lot of it comes from childhood, the effects of which are sorely underestimated IMO.

Very, very sad.

sorry saving my sympathy for 8 year old I know with cancer.

haven't seen it but still getting over his attempt to take Raul moat a fishing rod and a bucket of chicken.

He's a violent abusive man. Save your sympathy for those that deserve it. Alcohol didn't make him abusive. He was abusive before, he'll be abusive after he gives it up.

I found it very sad as well. He is obviously still very fragile. I had the impression that he's exchanged his alcohol addiction with other addictions, such as the botox.

It also struck me how much he lives in the past. He loves being recognised and feted by ordinary blokes on the street.

. About the wonky thinking that alcoholics have. It's Craig Ferguson talking about his own journey.

I have worked with people in addictions, rehab and recovery. It is sad, heart-breaking stuff. I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

He is also abusive. That is on him.

Yes, agree. The abuse was him not the alcohol.

I do feel sympathy for addicts. It's not simply a case of pulling oneself together.