MOVING FORWARD

Abby Wambach: I Abused Alcohol and Medication

“I didn’t want to face the truth.”

Former U.S. women’s soccer star Abby Wambach says she abused alcohol and prescription medication for years until she was arrested this April for driving under the influence. “I was stubborn and I was in denial,” the two-time Olympic gold medalist and FIFA Women’s World Cup champion confessed to the AP in an interview. “I didn’t want to face the truth.” Her new memoir, Forward, is set for release Tuesday and details her sports career along with her struggles—including the admission of addiction to vodka, Vicodin, Ambien, and Adderall. “That night getting arrested was one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Because if I don’t get so publicly shamed and publicly humiliated, I don’t think I wake up,” Wambach told the AP. The leading international goal-scorer has reportedly remained sober since her arrest in Portland, Oregon. According to TMZ, she is divorcing her wife, Sarah Huffman.