ASKING for help is the hardest part of getting off drugs, says former AFL star and recovered addict Gavin Crosisca.
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Speaking after making a presentation to a men's health conference in Launceston yesterday, the Collingwood 1990 premiership player said addiction was a battle he fought every day.
"It's ongoing, there is no cure," he said of drug and alcohol addiction.
"I do not drink, take drugs or gamble.
"But I am always going to be an addict - it is just if I am a using addict or an addict in recovery."
And he said kicking drugs was made harder for Australians, as support services were far behind countries such as the US.
He spoke at the Andrology Australia 2014 Forum, which finishes at Country Club Tasmania today.
Andrology Australia chief executive Carol Holden said the conference yesterday looked at a range of men's health issues - including use of drugs and alcohol, the highs and lows of sport, postnatal depression in new fathers, and body image and sexual health issues for young people.
Crosisca said his addiction started at age 15 when he drank alcohol, before using cannabis and amphetamines, but has been clean since 2011.
He said he now devoted his time to drug eduction, and urged people to seek help if needed and to "keep an eye on your mates".
"If you think there is something wrong, talk to them," he said.
"Because there is help out there, it just takes a bit to find it."
For support, call Lifeline on 131 114.