"At the start, you think 'I will just take them to help with the anxiety when I travel'. But it just progresses and your body becomes tolerant so you need more and more. They start to effect you mentally and you become a totally different person."
Former Liverpool and Coventry City goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has previously discussed his struggles with anxiety and depression - but he has now opened up about another battle he has been facing in secret.
Kirkland, 41, says he has been addicted to painkillers for the best part of a decade.
He tells BBC Radio Manchester how the issue spiralled out of control and how he would not be here today if he hadn't broken his silence.