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Ben cousins

Founder of Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia Paul Dillon said the public, particularly youth, viewed the Richmond midfielder as a "story", not a real-life warning. In Adelaide this week for several school workshops, Mr Dillon warned the latest documentary of Cousins, which features him using drugs and consuming alcohol, would generate a fresh wave of interest in his very troubled personal life. "What happened to him and his whole story, as much as the AFL would like to say it, shows how bad drugs are, most kids don't pick that up," Mr Dillon said. "They just see a guy who basically made lots of money, took drugs, then appeared to be reformed and got off so he came out the other end. "When he went back out on to Subiaco Oval and he was given a standing ovation, it was one of the most bizarre things I've seen in my life. "As someone who goes into schools, particularly in SA, WA and Victoria where AFL reigns supreme, I hardly ever do not get a question about him. "This story continues to have an impact on young people." The tell-all documentary, //Such is Life: The Troubled Times of Ben Cousins//, was filmed over the past two years and shows Cousins dancing in his underpants with a glass of wine and staring down the camera lens and declaring: "My name is Ben Cousins. I'm a drug addict." Mr Dillon said the most powerful part of the film he had seen was footage of Cousins' father, Bryan, on the verge of tears talking about how he almost lost his son. He also predicts the images seen so far are just "scraping the surface" about what the film will show. He said the most crucial part would be what happened next and how Cousins handled the release. Music boss Michael Gudinski, the film's executive producer, said it was a "deeply emotional and compelling" story. If it saved one life it was "worthwhile". "It's a cautionary tale," Mr Gudinski said. "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," Mr Gudinski said. The AFL chorused this sentiment and hoped the documentary would help drug abusers seek help.
 * EMBATTLED AFL star Ben Cousins will continue to be treated like a hero and influence young people despite a confronting documentary revealing the effects of his drug use, a leading Australian drug and alcohol expert says.**

Candid AFL star runs into some flak
THE first explosive images of Ben Cousins' //Such is Life// documentary yesterday were met with mixed reviews by coaches, sporting greats and drug experts. Olympic silver medallist Raelene Boyle said she believed it would send the wrong message to aspiring athletes. "The downside to this entire saga is that I would hate to see any young athlete look at Ben and think this is part of the glitz and glamour of being a sports star," Boyle said. West Coast Eagles coach John Worsfold backed his former skipper. "As much as it was good for Ben, I would hope it has some impact in raising awareness in the dangers of illicit drugs," Worsfold said. Fellow coach Kevin Sheedy said he hoped the confronting Cousins tale would serve as a deterrent to teenagers. Richmond chiefs last night said that the program would have no bearing on Cousins' playing future. AFL boss Andrew Demetriou gave the film his personal approval after watching it with music promoter Michael Gudinski, the executive producer, and Seven Melbourne chief Lewis Martin about two weeks ago. back to home

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