Sierra Tucson Featured on GQ Magazine’s “Casualties of the Gridiron” Helps Treat Former Football Players Suffering From Post-Concussion Trauma and Addiction
TUCSON, AZ–(Marketwired – Jan 30, 2014) – GQ Magazine’s new documentary series “Casualties of the Gridiron” provides a first-hand look at how the Sierra Tucson treatment facility successfully addresses and treats those struggling with the complex issue of post-concussion trauma and addiction by chronicling life after concussion-filled football careers for a group of retired professional players. The hard-hitting series focuses on the players’ journeys to overcome crippling chronic pain, drug addiction, behavioral issues, and brain trauma with the support of Sierra Tucson, the internationally recognized treatment facility for the treatment of addictions, eating disorders, mood disorders, pain management, and trauma/PTSD, and P.A.S.T. Concussion Treatment Program, a New Jersey-based program that provides hope to retired players and others who suffer from the symptoms related to head trauma.
“This partnership brings together two of the country’s leading authorities on the treatment of these complex issues and creates a more seamless continuum of care for former professional athletes who are struggling with chronic pain and addiction,” said Nate Ingram, Sierra Tucson’s Regional Outreach Specialist and former NFL player.
“Casualties of the Gridiron” finds two former football players Gene Merlino and Terry Tautolo struggling in the depths of addiction as a means to manage pain. Merlino was a former fullback for Army in the 1980s before a series of concussions cut short his football career, and Tautolo played nine seasons in the NFL for the Super Bowl XVI Champion San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, and Miami Dolphins. Both men are visibly struggling when they sought out help from Sierra Tucson and The P.A.S.T. Concussion Treatment Program. Although both men recognize the long journey in front of them, they are encouraged by the compassion, teamwork, and understanding that this new program provides them.
For more information and to view the series, please visit “Casualties of the Gridiron”(https://video.gq.com/series/casualties-of-the-gridiron). Episodes eight and nine highlight the men’s experience with Sierra Tucson.
About Sierra Tucson
Sierra Tucson is celebrating 30 years of compassionate care and clinical excellence. Since its inception, Sierra Tucson has become an international leader in the treatment of complex, co-occurring disorders. As a dually licensed treatment center, Sierra Tucson has developed specialized programs for Addictions, Eating Disorders, Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Pain Management, and Trauma/PTSD. An expert staff of full-time medical and clinical professionals utilizes an integrative approach to provide neuropsychiatric treatment for emotional, physical, and spiritual healing. Comprehensive individualized treatment plans combine 12-Step philosophy, a wide variety of innovative and integrative therapies, and a dynamic Family Program to support each person’s unique capacity for wellness and flourishing. Sierra Tucson has been awarded dual accreditation by The Joint Commission. Located on 160 acres at the foot of the Santa Catalina Mountains near Tucson, Arizona, this exceptional facility offers a beautiful, natural healing environment and the highest level of confidentiality. For more information about Sierra Tucson and its programs. For more information about Sierra Tucson and its programs, call 800-842-4487.
Sierra Tucson is a member of CRC Health Group, the most comprehensive network of specialized behavioral care services in the nation. CRC offers the largest array of personalized treatment options, allowing individuals, families, and professionals to choose the most appropriate treatment setting for their behavioral, addiction, weight management, and therapeutic education needs. CRC is committed to making its services widely and easily available while maintaining a passion for delivering advanced treatment. Since 1995, CRC programs have helped thousands of individuals and families reclaim and enrich their lives.
About P.A.S.T.
Providing hope through the reduction of symptoms related to head trauma and CTE and the restoration of quality of life.
The P.A.S.T. Retired Athlete Medical Group that provides fully integrated medical care to retired athletes including NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB players has implemented an innovative Concussion Treatment Program that has been made available to retired NFL players and other former athletes.
The one-of-a-kind program has been successful in reducing the symptoms known to be related to CTE and head injuries. The program is solely focused on the reduction of symptoms and restoration of quality of life. The program is offered on a pro bono basis to those former NFL players and other pro athletes that qualify. Additionally, a program for high school and college athletes that focuses on preventive brain health has also been created. The programs are also available to the general public. For more information about PAST, call 800-570-3719.
