Wambach tells AP she abused alcohol, prescription drugs

In an interview with Anne M Peterson of The Associated Press, longtime United States national team star Abby Wambach said she spent years abusing alcohol and prescription drugs. Wambach, 36, said she has been sober since being arrested for driving under the influence on April 3 of this year.

“That night getting arrested was one of the best things that has ever happened to me,” Wambach told Peterson. “Because if I don’t get so publicly shamed and publicly humiliated, I don’t think I wake up.”

I have interviewed Abby Wambach more times than I can count. This was the most sincere and brutally honest I've ever seen.

— Anne M. Peterson (@AnnieMPeterson) September 12, 2016

Wambach received treatment through a diversion program offered to first-time offenders after she plead guilty to DUI. As part of her deal, which could get the conviction wiped off her record after one year, Wambach agreed not to consume alcohol.

Since retiring from soccer in December, Wambach has joined ESPN where she worked on the men’s European Championships and hosts a podcast. She has also campaigned for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

Wambach’s book, Forward is scheduled for release Tuesday and is said to detail her abuse of vodka and several prescription drugs.