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Maradona faces "last chance" to shake off addiction
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-05-12 09:12

Argentine soccer great Diego Maradona has the last chance to get rid of a life-threatening drug addiction, his personal doctor Alfredo Cahe said Monday.

Maradona has checked into the Park Private Clinic drug rehabilitation center in western Buenos Aires, which Cahe admittedwas likely "the last chance" for the 43-year-old.

"I hope that it will have the necessary effect," said Cahe. "Until now that hasn't happened. I hope that he'll finally wake up and take responsibility."

The 1986 World Cup winning captain was checked in against his will as he preferred to stay at the luxurious residence in the town of General Rodriguez, 50 kilometers northwest of Buenos Aires,or Cuba, where he has lived for most of the past four years.

Maradona will have his own room and not mix with the other patients at the Park Clinic, which are expected to have the biggest problem getting the former footballer to follow his treatment.

"It is extremely difficult but without the acceptance of the player it is practically impossible," said Ricardo Grimson, the Drug Prevention Program secretary.

The 106-kilogram, 1.68-meter Maradona has been fighting cocaineaddiction for years and a number of doctors believe that is the cause of his health problems which saw him come close to death last month.

Park clinic doctors treat with sleep therapy, strict diet and total rest. Specialists estimated Maradona's treatment will last six to 18 months.

Doctors will need to lower Maradona's weight, fight his cocaineaddiction and its withdrawal symptoms.

 
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