ANTHONY Mundine, the man who helped Ben Cousins to publicly address his drug problems, has slammed the AFL for the draconian conditions placed on the former West Coast captain in his bid to return to the game - urine tests up to three times a week and hair tests four times a year.

"I think it's appalling the conditions they have put him and the regime of testing he has to go through. It's over the top," Mundine said.

"I know he's messed up, but a lot of players have messed up. Why are they trying to use him as some sort of guinea pig in front of the whole nation?

"I'm not saying everybody, but certain elements do want him to fail, I have no doubt.

"For what he has overcome to get to where he is today, he deserves the utmost respect because he had his flaws and he's corrected them. He's come from the darkness to the light and basically from the gutter as far as what he's been through, and now he's back fulfilling his desires and dreams as far as being an athlete."

The former National Rugby League star said he had not spoken to Cousins since AFL boss Andrew Demetriou announced the conditions on Cousins on Tuesday, but the pair have exchanged text messages.

Mundine said he was concerned the stringent drug testing procedures could have a negative effect on Cousins.

"I don't know but the pressures of just being tested and constantly being hounded could be a weight on him," Mundine said. "Mentally, that sort of thing can weigh on you. He should just be treated like every other player."