Reports have Tiger Woods checking in to a Jupiter, Florida rehab center for addiction to prescribed painkillers.
I’m glad he’s seeking help but let’s not pretend that his DUI is acceptable because it didn’t involve alcohol. It’s not and it’s just as dangerous to others.
The obvious analysis is that Woods has an addictive personality. Many greats suffer from this syndrome, because to reach the highest level of achievement, you must devote yourself fully to the endeavor. They become obsessed with it to the exclusion of anything else. There are other examples of those who have been at the pinnacle of their profession and manage to lead a balanced life. In golf, Jack Nicklaus has achieved that. He put his livelihood and family into perspective and appears to have excelled at both.
Derek Jeter made different choices, opting not to marry and have a family while leading the vagabond life of a professional baseball player. He’s enjoying the second act of his life now, after sacrificing it during his playing days.
But from childhood, Woods was addicted to golf. Later in life, he claimed to be addicted to sex. Now it’s prescription drugs.
Many on this path turn to religion next. Maybe Woods will devote the rest of his life to doing good works, using his billions to help others. Perhaps then he can fulfill his father’s prophesy — that he will mean much more to humanity than just being a great golfer. Right now, he is merely a wealthy and famous lost soul. 6/12/17
