A former Bristol City winger has revealed he missed his daughter's first birthday as he sought help for his alcoholism.
In a heartfelt post on social media, David Cotterill told his followers he was out of rehab following a gruelling but successful three-week stay.
The 31-year-old Bristol City youth product started his career with the Robins in 2004 and played for a number of British clubs before returning to Ashton Gate in 2017 on loan from Birmingham.
He retired in October last year following a short spell with ATK in India after leaving St Andrews, saying he had fallen out of love with the game.
Cotterill made 75 appearances in his two spells at the Robins and was capped 24 times by Wales.
The former winger turned to drink after enduring a career-long battle with mental health issues.
He has previously spoken about his tussle with depression and how he made attempts on his own life during his playing days. In an interview in December he admitted he self-harmed and would drink three bottles of wine a night.
In an Instagram post on Wednesday, the Welshman disclosed that he had spent three weeks at the Sporting Chance Clinic rehabilitation centre in the South Downs - missing his daughter's first birthday.
He revealed that although it had been the most "beneficial and productive" period of his recovery journey so far, it had come at a cost.
He wrote: "Two days ago I finally got home from three of the hardest but most beneficial and productive weeks of my recovery journey so far.
"I have been staying at Sporting Chance Clinic battling alcohol dependency which I’m has arisen from years of mental health issues.
"Finally admitting I’m powerless over alcohol. The staff have been incredible since picking up the phone to them, all very inspiring and unbelievable at what they do so thank you for everything.
"If anyone reading this is struggling, please think hard about why you want to get better...
"For me the main motivation is to be the best father and husband that I can possibly be and it really helped me get through this time.
"I missed my daughter 1st birthday whilst being in rehab because in my head and my heart I knew missing this birthday would make sure I wouldn’t miss any future birthdays, It was the most difficult thing I’ve done.
"If you can find that one thing that drives you, keep it at the forefront of your mind and carry on fighting. Things will get better, you’re not alone."
The former Robin also urged others to seek support and to contact him if they needed help accessing it.
He wrote: "If you have any questions about what rehab is like or need help accessing support please comment below or DM me.
"And please remember that alcohol isn't a solution to alleviating feelings of anxiety and depression."
The former winger is now keen to help others through his experiences, and revealed he has already been back at the Robins to offer his expertise.
Cotterill is now holding talks to help others suffering in silence with mental health issues.
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please phone the Samaritans free on 116123.
