News
Dele Alli: Sleeping Pill Addiction ‘Widespread’ in Football, Says Psychotherapist
Addiction to sleeping pills in football is “much wider than people realise”, according to former Oxford United psychotherapist Gary Bloom.
Everton midfielder Dele Alli said he spent six weeks in rehab for sleeping pill addiction and mental health issues.
Bloom was the first psychotherapist to work at an English club.
Former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland agreed, saying, “Addiction is a massive problem in football.”
During an emotional interview with The Overlap podcast, Dele talked about the abuse he suffered as a child before being adopted at 12.
And in talking about his own addiction to sleeping tablets, he added that misuse of the tablets was “something going around more than people realise in football”.
“I was taking a lot,” the 27-year-old said. “I don’t want to get into numbers but it was definitely way too much and I had some scary moments.”
Speaking to BBC World Service, former commentator Bloom, who left Oxford last year after five years in the role, outlined a link between maximising on-pitch performance and struggling to sleep.
“Addiction to sleeping tablets is widespread, much more than people realise,” he said. “There is also widespread use of caffeine stimulants for matches.
“Players are pretty wired during games because they want to give themselves a legal buzz for when they are playing – but then they cannot get to sleep at night.
“They are therefore prescribed sleeping tablets and the cycle goes on.”
Last summer, former Rotherham and Northampton defender Ryan Cresswell said addiction to the tablets left him “gripping on for dear life“.
Bloom said more psychological support within clubs was required.
“Football clubs are only just waking up to the realisation that when people have off-field issues, these inevitably end up on the field,” he said.
“In my opinion, more clubs should be employing psychotherapists who are able to mix and mingle freely with players and warn them of the consequences if they don’t clean up their personal problems.”
‘Clubs need to do more’
In June 2022, Kirkland revealed details of his own 10-year addiction to painkillers.
He believes the onus is on clubs to provide much better support to players.
“My wife still does random drug tests on me,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live. “Football clubs see their players day in day out and now they need to put things in place in and out of house.
“Addiction is massive in the game – whether that’s gambling, alcohol or drugs.
“Hopefully Dele coming out will help others seek help to make big changes.”
In response to Dele’s interview, Dr Michael Bennett, the director of player wellbeing at the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), said the union “regularly supports” members who have developed addictions, including to sleeping tablets.
“Even administered in small doses, prescription medications can be habit-forming,” he added.
“If players are using sleeping tablets or any other prescription medication and are concerned that they may have developed a dependency, we encourage them to speak confidentially with the PFA and access the support we offer.”
Sleep expert James Wilson, who has worked with West Ham, Rotherham and Lincoln said: “Sleeping pills are not generally good for your sleep and they are not good for recovery so that is why they are not a good idea in football.
“The fact they are addictive is the cherry on the cake.
“The use is more rife in football because the job itself contributes to poor sleep, the night after a midweek game in particular footballers find it harder to sleep.”
Kirkland added that society could be more forgiving and accepting of those struggling with addiction.
“Instead of hammering people and making them feel worse, why not offer to help?” he said. “We live in a culture where people think it’s acceptable to heap more pressure and abuse on people, [especially those in] the public eye.
“I don’t think that will go away but we could do more to prevent it.”
ADELIYI ADEBISI, professionally known as ADEBISI and also recognized as ADEXBARCA, is a UK-based gospel musician, praise leader, songwriter, and music producer dedicated to leading people into authentic worship through music.
With a passion for creating songs that inspire gratitude, faith, and heartfelt praise, ADEBISI has steadily built a growing reputation as one of the emerging voices in contemporary African gospel music. His sound blends Afro-gospel rhythms with powerful worship, delivering songs that resonate across cultures, generations, and languages.
Beyond recording music, ADEBISI actively ministers as a psalmist, leading worship in partnership with churches, ministries, and gospel events across the United Kingdom. His ministry is centered on creating an atmosphere where people can encounter God through sincere praise and worship.
Over the years, he has released a number of inspiring gospel songs, including Ese Baba, Oluwatamilore, Halleluyah, Give Praise to God, and Jelenke Praise. His latest single, “Receive My Praise (Baba Gbo Ope Mi)”, continues that journey with a vibrant Afro-gospel worship sound that celebrates thanksgiving and wholehearted devotion to God.
As both a songwriter and producer, ADEBISI remains committed to creating original congregational praise music that ministers to listeners worldwide. His mission is simple yet profound: to lead God’s people into genuine, heartfelt praise—one song at a time.
His music is available on all major digital streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Audiomack, Boomplay, SoundCloud, and YouTube.
Connect with ADEBISI
- TikTok: @adexbarca
- Instagram: @adexbarca1
- YouTube: @adexbarca
- Facebook: Adebisiofficial
Search “ADEBISI” on all major music streaming platforms to discover his growing catalogue of praise and worship music.
Nigerian Afrobeats artist and songwriter OJ Sular is bringing his energy, ambition, and street-inspired sound to listeners with the release of his single, Money Vibe. The track reflects his journey, determination, and vision of success while showcasing the unique style that continues to define his growing career.
Born Ojukwu Samuel Arinzechukwu on March 6, 2004, OJ Sular hails from Eha Amufu in Isi Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. Widely recognized by his stage names OJ Sular and Big OJ, he has steadily built a reputation as a versatile performer whose music blends Afrobeats, Afropop, Hip Hop, and Drill.
OJ Sular attended Ogbaete Primary School, Eha Ohuala Secondary School, and later Amaenyi Boys Secondary School in Anambra State. His passion for music developed at an early age, leading him to pursue a professional career built on authentic storytelling and energetic performances.
Money Vibe marks one of the defining records in OJ Sular’s musical journey. Originally gaining attention in 2019, the song introduced audiences to his signature sound and earned him recognition among fans who appreciate music that celebrates hard work, ambition, and the determination to rise above life’s challenges. His growing popularity has also earned him the nickname “King of the Street.”
Speaking about the song, OJ Sular said:
“Money Vibe represents the mindset of never giving up. It is about believing in yourself, staying focused on your goals, and working until your dreams become reality. I want listeners to feel motivated every time they hear the song.”
Beyond his work as a recording artist, OJ Sular is the founder of OJ Entertainment, an independent record label dedicated to promoting creativity and supporting emerging talent. His commitment to artistic independence continues to shape his career and vision for the future.
As one of the promising young voices emerging from Nigeria’s vibrant music scene, OJ Sular continues to connect with audiences through honest lyrics, memorable melodies, and performances that reflect both his personal experiences and his aspirations.
Money Vibe is now available on major digital streaming platforms worldwide @ https://ffm.to/oj-sular-money-vibe
About OJ Sular
OJ Sular, born Ojukwu Samuel Arinzechukwu, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and recording artist from Enugu State. Known for blending Afrobeats, Afropop, Hip Hop, and Drill, he has established himself as an independent artist with a growing fan base. Performing under the names OJ Sular and Big OJ, he is also the founder of OJ Entertainment, where he continues to create music that inspires, entertains, and represents the voice of a new generation.
It was the very first edition of Electrolytes, and somehow it already felt like a classic. The doors barely opened before the energy took over: glow foam drifting through the crowd, Jäger Energizers passed from hand to hand, strangers becoming dance partners within minutes. This was Lagos nightlife doing what it does best.
DJ Bellami, DJ SKB, DJ Valentino, Big Riki, DJ Instinct, DJ Spizzy, DJ OTB, DJ Xnel, Yanfssss, ReBellyus, Bus yi, and Ephraim (Talking Drummer) kept the crowd moving all night while Hypeman Holyfaze and Toby Shang made sure they stayed locked in from one set to the next. Together, they served up a seamless mix of Afrobeats, Amapiano, House, and global sounds that had guests dancing well into the early hours.
The night was elevated further Jägermeister, Belaire, Lightspeed, MyFlex Tickets, and Buzz & Bants, all of whom helped shape a complete celebration of music, culture, and connection. The event also had backing from The Scar Production, The Scar Bookings, and SDGV Audio. Between signature drink moments, Jäger Energizers making their way through the crowd, and a smoothly run event experience, there was something to enjoy at every turn.
The Scar Radio was founded in 2020 by Fabulous Fabuyi Adeniyi and operates from its studio in Lagos, with network branches in the United States and the United Kingdom. It is part of The Scar Global Group, which includes The Scar Production, The Scar Bookings, SCAR XYZ, and The Scar Accessories. Over the years, the radio station has served as a home for global talents and a launch pad for budding creatives and artistes.
Watch The Electrolytes Party Highlights below:
-
Audio10 years agoPage – Day Break Everywhere Burst
-
Audio5 years agoShadykarz – Forever
-
Audio10 years agoJuniorboy ft. 9ice – IRAPADA
-
Entertainment Gists5 years agoEx-Beauty Queen, Sandra Benede Shares Sexy Photo
-
Audio5 years agoSimi – Happy Birthday ft. Adekunle Gold, DeJa
-
Audio5 years agoRuger – Bounce
-
Mixtapes4 years agoMixtape: DJ DimpleNipple – The Best Of Amapiano Thrills
-
Editorials3 years agoSa’eedah Imam On Creating Her Imprint In The Nigerian Music Industry As An Emerging Creative Writer