The life of an athlete is a fascinating one. In fact, it's what many of us dream of being when we're older. The chance to perform in front of thousands of people, represent the team or country you love and enjoy the glitz and glam that comes with being a footballer, boxer, cricketer and beyond.

Careers are short though, and fame and success in support stops pretty abruptly in the mid-30s. Unfortunately, that can lead to real problems for sport stars, with addiction not entirely uncommon.

It shows that addiction doesn't discriminate, and you can add sports stars to the list of butchers, bakers, maybe not candlestick makers anymore, but certainly white collar roles and beyond that find themselves requiring drug help because they struggle with substanxe abuse.

But why do so many sports stars struggle post career? We take a brief look at the stories of five who struggled with addiction after retirement...

Bradley Wiggins

In 2012, Sir Bradley Wiggins became the first Brit to ever win the Tour de France. In the same year, also winning Olympic Gold, Wiggins became a global icon, not least for his infamous sideburns.

The Mod rider had a glittering career becoming one of the most decorated British athletes in history, but following his retirement, he really struggled. He recently revealed he became a cocaine addict, while also seeing the collapse of his marriage and filing for bankruptcy.

He's talked openly about his downward spiral, but is coming out of it the other end and getting his life back on track.

Paul Gascoigne

The story of Gazza is a sad one. A once in a generation talent, troubles with alcohol followed him throughout his career and now into retirement. He's become dangerously close to death several times and sought out support several times.

He continues to fight and is doing well at present. And long may that continue!

Michael Phelps

Drug and alcohol abuse can even affect the most decorated Olympian of all time. Michael Phelps' lowest point came in 2014, when he was arrested for driving under the influence. That prompted him to seek out rehab and get his life back on track.

And that he certainly has. Now he's sober he's become a real advocate for mental health, openly endorsing therapy and mindfulness as key tools in recovery.

Darryl Strawberry

An eight-time All-Star and four-time World Series champion, Darryl Strawberry is a MLB great.

Yet his post-career life was marred by cocaine and alcohol addiction. Multiple suspensions and legal troubles followed. Strawberry eventually embraced recovery, drawing strength from his faith and founding the Darryl Strawberry Foundation to support others facing similar battles

George Best

One of the greatest footballers of all time, George Best was known as the Fifth Beatle thanks to his incredible talent, good looks, style and love of partying.

He had a lavish lifestyle both during his career and after it, once stating: "I spent a lot of money on booze, women and fast cars. The rest I just squandered."

While that figure was celebrated, it was ultimately his downfall too. It took a real toll on his health. He needed a liver transplant in 2002, and after continuing to drink he died aged just 59 from organ failure.