I have no idea why Watson had to go to rehab. There is an issue there the NHL and/or the Preds organization thought he needed to deal with. Addictions are no joke. I watched my mother become a bigger alcoholic as I got older and then watched her stay off of it for the last 6 months of her life because of cancer. I was told by doctors 20 or so years ago to limit my drinking due to a viral disease I had. I just finished up a treatment that should have me cleared from this virus. It scares the ever living crap out of me that I can now drink on a regular basis without the fear of doing serious damage to my liver from the virus but also knowing my family history of alcoholism. Addictions are a disease and no matter how strong a person you think you are, the addiction will usually win unless you get the help and support you need.
I'm super proud of everyone who's told us of their addictions and overcoming them in this thread. I wish Watson and his family all the good and positive thoughts from myself and everyone around here. At the end of the day, hockey is just a game. His life and happiness is much more important. If he gets to don a Preds jersey again, I hope he does so with a new focus on life and that he takes his journey one day at a time and that if he needs help, he's not afraid to reach out to get it. That goes for anyone around here. We may be a big dysfunctional family, but we're still a family.
