Such Is Life - Ben Cousins Doco

[thestudent14]

A new tell-all documentary follows the life of controversial Australian Rules footballer Ben Cousins.

Such Is Life: The Troubled Times of Ben Cousins includes footage of the Richmond footballer admitting he's a drug addict, and emotional scenes as his family struggle to cope.

Executive Producer Michael Gudinksi said, 'When Ben came to me 18 months ago and we talked I knew he had an important story to tell. Clearly there was a powerful documentary waiting to be made here so I decided to give him my full support.

The end result is deeply emotional and compelling. It's a cautionary tale - the inside story of a superstar footballer who made some bad choices along the way and ended up in a titanic struggle with drug addiction.

I'm sure it will send a powerful message to young people. If it helps save one person’s life or helps broaden the community’s understanding of addiction then it all will have been worthwhile.'

http://au.tv.yahoo.com/news/article...ch-is-life-the-troubled-times-of-ben-cousins/

Hey team, this doco will be on channel 7 at 8:30 on wednesday for whoever is interested. Don't really know much about it but the adds looked alright, so I thought I'd let you all know.

 

[Sustanon]

Cheers for the heads up. Def will be watching this.

 

[WitchfinderGeneral]

Could be interesting, but I'll unfortunately miss it. Might tape, though.

 

[TripppAR]

I have seen this already..

its shit.


Don't let the media give you the illusion you get to see cousins do drugs on camera.. its all bullshit.

They are making out like you get to see all these secret party tapes or some shit. Its just a money making excersise for the media/ channel 7.

 

[heythatsmybike]

People say they want to see him take drugs, I think people just want to see him with his shirt off for an hour. Woooooooooo FOOTBALL!

 

[highonlife40]

Cautionary tail really..... like don't get caught kids..... other than that you can abuse drugs and still be at the top of the game in AFL.... That's the only Ben Cousins lesson I've learnt.

Am I missing anything here?

 

[heythatsmybike]

Running away from a booze bus won't land you in prison?

In my opinion he was just being a true blue aussy. Who here doesn't want to go out and drink truckloads of piss and snort bagloads of coke off hot chicks and their boobs? It's what happens when you get made to focus all your thinking power on a piece of rubber and leather.

 

[hoptis]

Tackling a tough topic
Nathan Mawby
From: Herald Sun
August 23, 2010 12:01AM

VICTORIAN schools and parents are bracing for the screening of the Ben Cousins documentary this Wednesday and Thursday.

Brian Burgess, president of the Victorian Association of State Secondary Principals, said the film had the potential to be a big issue with students and couldn't be ignored.

"It may be a hot topic in health classes because of discussions from their families' perspective," Mr Burgess said.

"It can't be swept under the carpet, it's no good just saying to a kid: don't take drugs. You have got to say why."

Mr Burgess didn't believe that schools would be running classes explicitly on the impact of drugs on Ben Cousins, but said that staff would be ready if students had questions.

"Part of the role of schools is to educate kids about this. Most secondary schools would have welfare coordinators and even teachers for this," he said.

Dr Peter Casey, Principals Association of Victorian Catholic Secondary Schools president, said Cousins' high profile meant many students would watch and it was important it carried the right message.

"We would hope that it sends a strong message to students: That there is no place for drugs ... and the message doesn't in anyway excuse him," Dr Casey said.

Dr Casey's school, St Patrick's College in Ballarat, has produced top AFL players including Brownlow medallists John James and Brian Gleeson as well as Hawthorn premiership player Clinton Young.

He said staff would be available if students had questions after watching it.

"There would be any number of people well capable of handling any questions," he said. "Most of the questions will take place on Facebook."

Meanwhile parent groups have warned primary school-aged children should not be allowed to watch the documentary, but encouraged families of high school students to use the documentary as a way to begin discussion on the dangers drugs pose.

"I'd say year seven and up, but definitely with the presence of a parent," said Christine Delamore, executive officer of the Victorian Parents Council.

"Twelve to 14s are the danger group and parents should be with them."

She also warned parents not to try to dodge the issue by preventing their children from watching it.

"If they want to watch it, and aren't allowed to, they will probably just see it on YouTube," she said.

Herald Sun

There's been a lot of media about this in the last few weeks, but I have little doubt the story it's going to try and sell is the same one that's rammed down our throats from the time we're in school.

 

[heythatsmybike]

Is it a coincidence that they were Christian schools in that article?

 

[footscrazy]

Cautionary tail really..... like don't get caught kids..... other than that you can abuse drugs and still be at the top of the game in AFL.... That's the only Ben Cousins lesson I've learnt.

Am I missing anything here?

That's what I get from it too. Not only has he used drugs while managing to have a succesfull career, he's won the Brownlow ffs. So not only has he just managed, he's been named the best footy player in the league, while being an addict! Definitely mixed messages here...

I'm unsure about this doco...I'll prob watch it but I wonder whether he really was an 'addict' or just a party boy like so many. I can imagine him being a weekend warrior on the pipe, but a daily user..? For one thing, he's built and I don't know many hardcore iceheads who are able to maintain their size, even with steroids.

I'm not suggesting that using only on weekends can't be a problem, but I do think it's likely they've blown this out of proportion to make an example of him.

 

[belarki]

^ I'd have to agree. You need a decent amount of regular sleep to maintain that level of fitness & a body like that. Apparently this is a two-part documentary with the second half focusing more on his drug use.

 

[Ignatius J.]

Will be watching for sure. I grew up in the same suburb as Cuz and played at the same junior footy club, albeit a couple of years behind him. He has been quoted in the paper here as spending $10,000 a week on meth and coke. With his connections in the drug scene its likely the gear he was getting was of TOP quality..Im curious as to how he stopped his heart exploding out of his chest, let alone remained functional on that amount of gear. However, gear and coke are probably 2 of the most functional drugs...for an athlete anyway..extra energy in the gym and on the park could only be a good thing. But $10G of pure shit seems a bit of an exaggeration...he must be very generous when shouting his hangers on thats all i can say.

Also, he still seems totally unrepentant. Typical of his character. He seems to have enjoyed his time as a drug user and even seems proud of being able to get away with it for so long. Being from where i am from I still know people that are in contact with him..if he is still clean, which i doubt, it dont think it will stay that way for much longer...i guess only time will tell. Anyway people should stop caring after next weekend when he retires. Let him out to pasture on a giant pile of shards if thats what he wants..Fuck it, he's no "role-model" anymore just another pipe twirling junkie.

What does rub me the wrong way is the way he lied about being clean the 1st time. Don't do that. It makes it harder for anyone to believe you when you really do want to get clean...and if no one believes you, you may aswell say fuck it, i might as well just use cos everybody thinks im using regardless.

 

[footscrazy]

^ The way things are though he had to lie. I don't blame him for that, rather the stupid public perception of drugs/drug users that make it seem like such a terrible and shameful thing to be. This full admission really could only come after his retirement. And anyone who uses just because people think you are is an idiot who wouldn't have stayed clean anyway. Sure you need support, but staying clean is ultimately a personal decision.

 

[Ignatius J.]

Of course you are correct footscrazy, getting clean and stay clean is at its heart a personal decision.

But it is made oh so much harder when the people you love and respect, your friends and family no longer believe you..even when you have made the effort. Im just saying, for your average person, be honest with your loved ones, if you are using dont lie about it because losing their trust totally smashes your self confidence, something you need if you are going to have the personal strength of character that it takes to really clean up.

 

[my innerself]

I used to love watching cuz carve up the midfield for the eagles back in the day. I thought it truly sucked what happened to him. He never actually got busted with drugs or failed a drug test, he just got found out and admitted it. So what did the afl do? Crucify him. And what did it teach other players and the community in general? Basically if you have a problem with drugs and get found out you will be fucked in the arse hard. The media fucked up his life more then what the drugs did.

On a side note I always wondered what kind of shit he was getting. Considering he is in with Kizon and the coffin cheaters I reckon he would have been getting some of best coke and ice going around. And I'd bet my life savings ($11.27) that as soon as he is done playing footy he will be back on wagon.

 

[hoptis]

Ben Cousins insists doco will help people and does not glamorise drugs
Patrick Horan, Michael Warner
From: Herald Sun
August 24, 2010 12:00AM

UPDATE 9.12am: BEN Cousins says he wants his documentary to bring discussion of drug addiction into the public arena, insisting some of the best people he's ever met are recovering addicts.

Speaking on Nova FM's Hughesy and Kate show this morning, Cousins said he hopes the tell-all Such is Life documentary, the first part of which will screen tomorrow night on Channel 7 tomorrow night, will have a real impact.

"A lot of people have asked me why I've done this documentary and whether it's been in my best interests, opening up in a way that doesn't depict me in a great light," Cousins said.

"I think it can have a real impact and help people that aren't given the same second chances or extended the same help that I have.

"It has the capacity to break down stigmas associated with drug use.

"I liken drug use and drug addiction today to where mental health was 15 years ago. It was secret and wasn't looked upon with the same compassion that it is today.

"If my documentary can bring drug addiction and talking about it into the public arena ... if it brings it out into the open and gets people talking about it..."

Cousins paid tribute to his family's courage in taking part and allowing the documentary to be shown.

"Let me tell you, I've done some things in my life that I'm not proud of and detested my family's unwavering and unconditional support," he said.

"At different times they tried everything and they're still there for me."

Cousins also saluted those who have shared in his recovery.

"Some of the best people I've met in my life have been recovering drug addicts," he said.

"I've met some amazing people that are doing some amazing things in everyday life."

He also insisted the documentary did not glamorise drug use.

Channel 7 is cashing in on the documentary with a live round-table discussion planned for Thursday night.

The one-hour program will air immediately after episode two of Such is Life in a head-to-head battle with Channel 9's The Footy Show.

Panellists include former Richmond coach Terry Wallace, AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson, Cousins' father Bryan, Tigers chief executive Brendon Gale, psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg and the Herald Sun's Mike Sheahan.

Cousins - facing a race against time to overcome a hamstring injury before his farewell AFL match on Sunday - will not take part.

Episode one of the Cousins documentary will be aired across the country at 8.30pm tomorrow. It's shaping as a ratings bonanza for Seven, which paid an undisclosed six-figure sum for the rights.

The Michael Gudinski-produced film details Cousins' long battle with drugs and his return to footy through rehabilitation.

"It has been incredibly brave of the family to open up and tell their courageous and emotional story," Seven Melbourne general manager Lewis Martin said.

"This expert panel will help families start a conversation about the challenges of addiction (and give) critical advice from experts on how to handle related issues."

Nine is believed to be planning a Cousins expose on The Footy Show.

Herald Sun

 

[hoptis]

A well-made warning to the young from Bad Boy Ben
August 24, 2010 - 8:01AM

New footage of a drug-affected Ben Cousins is set to be aired in a television documentary.

Whatever you end up thinking about Ben Cousins after watching his two-part televisual confessional Such is Life, you won't fault the guy for being up-front.

The film is brutally, painfully, unflinchingly honest about how substance abuse turned a radiant football career into a tabloid train wreck, with Cousins front-and-centre for much of the time detailing the demons that have derailed - and defined - his life.

Former football great Ben Cousins bares all in Such is Life, an extraordinary, frank tell-all documentary about his repeated falls from grace.

Former football great Ben Cousins bares all in Such is Life, an extraordinary, frank tell-all documentary about his repeated falls from grace.

From the outset the film is intended as a warning, especially to young people. Anybody who sees this film and thinks it glorifies drug use would have to be on drugs. The crippling cost that drug addiction has exacted on his life is given full measure.

And they are not pretty pictures. Images of the brilliant midfielder, Brownlow medal winner, West Coast captain and jubilant fan favourite grind hard against grainy close-ups of Cousins inhaling ice for the umpteenth time through his treasured glass pipe.

Along with news footage and interviews with journalists, friends, family and coaches (such as Terry Wallace and Mick Malthouse), the film features confronting snippets from a video diary Cousins kept during 2008, the year he was excommunicated from football. We see him drunk, angry, partying and smoking crystal meth (ice). Especially unnerving are the shots of a despondent Cousins looking into the bathroom mirror, his face twitching.

Most painful for Cousins is the hurt he has inflicted on his family. He appears humbled by their love and allegience and though he never quite says it, the sense is that he now feels their invaluable support was more than he deserved.

But the film is more likely to entrench existing opinions about Cousins than change them. Those with sympathy for him will view Such is Life as a plea for understanding and forgiveness, while those who hold Cousins to be an over-indulged, unworthy prat who has abused the goodwill of the AFL, his family and his public are unlikely to be swayed. Such is the price of being so honest.

Cousins funded the early stages of production himself and is credited as executive producer, but while he had final cut the film's director, Paul Goldman (Suburban Mayhem, Australian Rules, The Night We Called it a Day) says Cousins did not censor any material, however much it made him wince.

It is clearly unintentional, but the film is ultimately in two minds as to whether Cousins will learn anything from the ordeal depicted in Such is Life.

The cloying, saccharine tone of its closing moments suggests he will, though the evidence presented throughout suggests he won't. For if the film makes anything clear it's that Ben Cousins fears but one thing more than addiction.

And that's relapse.

Such is Life: The Troubled times of Ben Cousins screens 8.30pm Wednesday and Thursday on Channel Seven.

Questions

Are you planning on seeing this documentary? Why? What is your opinion of Ben Cousins and his off-field behaviour? Do you think the documentary will aid his road to recovery? And if you've seen the film, what did you think?

Your valued thoughts are hereby sought.

The Age

 

[thestudent14]

I'm definately intrigued to see what this doco brings.

Here's hoping it's not what Tripparrr said and thats more of the usual sensationalst crap.

Thanks for the updates Hoptis, most appreciated.

 

[hoptis]

Professor Dan Lubman offers drug counselling advice to parents
From: Herald Sun
August 25, 2010 12:00AM

TURNING Point Alcohol and Drug Centre director Professor Dan Lubman, who helped in the making of the ifSuch is Lifenf, offers answers to tough questions parents might face from their kids after watching the documentary.

Prof Lubman said parents who planned to watch it with their older children needed to have an understanding before they answer the hardest questions.

``A parent's attitude to alcohol and drugs is a major influence on adolescent perceptions,'' Prof Lubman said.

``Make sure you don't have a problem with alcohol. Think about how and where you drink and what influence this is having on your children. You are their most important role model.''

If drugs are so bad why does it look so fun?

Alcohol and drugs are taken because of the effects they have on people but those effects can often be detrimental. Substances affect the brain and can make us feel great but that doesn't come without risks.

If drugs are so bad for your body how come Ben Cousins can still be a great footballer?

Often people who have problems with alcohol and drugs can present really well and look really good but they're often hiding their problems. Ben is a good example of this.

Have you ever taken drugs?

Answering this properly depends on how open you choose to be with your kids. If you feel comfortable talking about it you should take the opportunity to discuss why you have or haven't taken drugs and what you have learned as a result.

If Ben and so many others have done it, why can't I make up my own mind?

Tell your kids it's ultimately up to them but make the risks clear. They have to make an informed choice. It's also an opportunity to talk about family rules - have an informed conversation about what you expect as a parent while they are living at home.

Why is taking illicit drugs so bad when there are so many people who abuse legal pharmaceutical drugs?

There are a range of harms associated with both.

How come alcohol is legal but other drugs aren't?

Alcohol and tobacco are legal within our culture. It doesn't mean those drugs aren't associated with harm even though they are legal.

People who take illicit drugs are generally less prone to violence than somebody who is drunk - isn't that a good thing?

Alcohol is the most prevalent drug in our community and is associated with more violent behaviour as a result. Illicit drugs are less prevalent but certain drugs can be associated with violence as well.

Why do people use alcohol and drugs?

Young people like to experiment and often associated alcohol and drugs with being an adult. Others use it to escape stress and disappointment. It's important to learn how to problem solve and manage stress without it.

For more information see:

www.turningpoint.org.au

www.adf.org.au

or call Directline for 24/7 confidential advice and counselling 1800 888 236

Herald Sun

 

[hoptis]

Cousins 'mourned' giving up drugs
Dan Silkstone
August 25, 2010

BEN Cousins has spoken frankly about his drug addiction ahead of the airing of the Richmond onballer's documentary tonight, describing his battle with illicit drugs as ''a journey inward''.

Cousins revealed he had first experimented with hard drugs at age 17, saying he had quickly been fooled by his early on-field success into believing he could balance drugs and football.

''It did start out enjoyable but pretty quickly, especially later on in my drug use, it became quite self-destructive,'' he said. ''I became disillusioned with it and where it crossed over. And once it did, part of it was me turning on myself. I was out to wreck myself at a certain period of my life.''

Controversial footage of a drug-affected Cousins dancing in his underwear - shown ad nauseum to promote the documentary - was described by the player himself as ''just a night that got away from us''.

Cousins never tested positive for any drug under the AFL's testing regime and said yesterday that had reinforced his lifestyle, leading to a period of ''mourning'' when he had to finally give up drug-use. "I had got away with it. It reinforced consciously and subconsciously that I had a method that was working,'' he said.

The comments came during the Brownlow medallist's regular slot on radio station Nova FM ahead of the documentary's airing tonight and tomorrow and a possible farewell match against Port Adelaide on Sunday. That appearance remains in doubt with the former West Coast champion rated only a 50-50 chance to play because of hamstring soreness.

Cousins revealed yesterday he had not ''broken stride'' all week and did not know if he would be fit. ''I will have to prove my fitness at some stage whether that's Thursday, Friday or Saturday before Sunday's game,'' he said. ''I will do everything I can to get up. It is not like I have to worry about the next week, depending on if you re-tear something."

He later trained at Punt Road, away from the main group, and got through a series of light sprints and kicking drills.The club's marketing department is devising a series of measures to honour the 268-game veteran, whether he plays or not.

The Cousins documentary was the talk of Melbourne yesterday, with many inside football circles having already seen it. The Australian Drug Foundation - which had sharply criticised promotional clips of the film and cautioned the Seven Network against openly showing drug use - was treated to an early screening and briefing from Seven executives.

Chief executive John Rogerson said the film was compelling viewing. ''It's a very important documentary for parents to see, with some kids,'' he said. But Rogerson restated concerns that depiction of Cousins using drugs in the film could be damaging and meant the film should not be watched by unsupervised children nor by those younger than 15. ''This whole issue of celebrity status and Ben being an athlete really has the potential to glamourise the issue … I would have liked to have seen that minimised,'' he said.

Cousins rejected claims his film might glamourise drug use. "I have done a lot of things I am not proud of and I have tested my families' unwavering and unconditional support,'' he said. ''They tried everything … In no way is this documentary glamourising drug use. I sit here I am one of the lucky ones."

Coach Damien Hardwick said last week he hoped all Tiger players would watch the program but the playing group has not seen a preview and - with players having a day off today - will not watch it together.

Cousins says he had begun filming his life during his enforced year away from football as a form of catharsis. ''The bottom line is it has been done because I think it can have a real impact and help a lot of people,'' he said. The former Eagle said his approach to consuming methamphetamines during West Coast's glory years had been every bit as single-minded as his famous approach to football.

''I always had the same sort intensity even from the beginning,'' he said. ''I attacked my social life, recreational drug use, the same way I did my footy and everything. It was fraught with danger anyway. When you have to deal with certain things in part of everyday life that are difficult or whatever, it puts strains and pressures on you in ways you don't expect. It became an outlet a way for me, an escape for me, a way of dealing and coping with things."

Cousins said his predilection for drug abuse was so strong that without the sport to keep him motivated ''I would have ended up in rehab 10 or 15 years ago''.

He said he had gradually increased his drug use, eventually becoming shocked at the level he could push his consumption to while still excelling on the field. ''I was assessed by people about how I was going in life by how good a football I was playing … if I was getting a kick that was enough, that was great.''

The Age