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Alcoholism
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: MAG (inactive) Date: 21 Apr 00 - 03:40 PM this thread has touched a lot of notes for me. Our flamer, first, has had some experience with 12 step programs, as he is aware that members are not to identify themselves publicly. I'll go on to say that my experience in Al-Anon has taught me that 12stepping is a very valuable program, AND that there is a hell of a lot of bad program out there. since program has been quoted all over the place, another slogan is, "Take what you like, and leave the rest." The best bet is to find a Very Large group (hopefully you are in a city) where there is a wide variety of opinion; then you don't get cooped up with bad programmers who insist on reciting the Lord's Prayer (in violation of program principles, I might add). "Ecstasy" came up somewhere above; it is a designer drug, and those who have told me to try it should the opportunity present itself are without exception the most fucked up people I have ever met. And those who insisted they had to use -- whatever -- because it helped their music, or writing, were just plain hooked. Would Coleridge have given us "Kubla Khan" without opium? Maybe not, but he would have given us other poems, and lived longer to give us more of them. Off my soapbox now. MA |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: Whistle Stop Date: 21 Apr 00 - 03:19 PM Jim Dixon brings up an excellent point about the interconnectedness of music performance and alcohol. This might be worth a separate thread. Like Willie-O, I gave up drinking several (6+) years ago, at the age of 35, for personal reasons. I did not, and do not, consider myself an alcoholic; I simply saw no value in it any more, and recognized that it was a habit that was becoming more firmly entrenched in my life the longer I kept it up. Also like Willie-O, I was surprised at how easy it was -- for me, anyway. I do not claim that this is the same for everyone; I'm just lucky in that respect. Since that time, I have continued to work as a part-time musician, which means that I typically spend at least one night a week in a bar, from early evening until the wee hours of the morning. It is a strange experience to be stone-cold sober, but surrounded by drunks (sorry if that term offends, but the "regulars" in the establishments I play at are drunks, by anyone's definition). It makes me realize what I used to look, act and sound like when I was drinking. I don't miss it at all -- again, I'm lucky that way. I would love it if there was a way I could continue working as a musician without spending so much time in bars. By "working as a musician," I mean putting on a professional, well-presented performance, and getting paid for it, on a regular basis. But I find it very difficult to find non-drinking venues that provide the infrastructure, steady work, and decent pay that I get in the bars. I'd be interested to hear if others are on the horns of the same dilemma, and if they've found a way to practice their craft/profession in non-alcoholic environments. Any thoughts? |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: John Evans Date: 21 Apr 00 - 03:11 PM John Evans here I'm still here, and thanks to everyone who's given me advice, kind thoughts and encouragement. I think however that I'll continue any further dialogue via private messages Thanks to you all (apart from the wierd people) John |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: DougR Date: 21 Apr 00 - 02:21 PM Joe Offer: You're right, of course. I regret participating in the little exchange of barbs. It just struck me that any subject as serious as this one deserves better treatment and originator more positive support. He wasn't getting it from the Flamer and I reacted. Childish of me. DougR |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: SINSULL Date: 21 Apr 00 - 01:47 PM To John Evans: I think you are the same John who asked about songs related to infidelity and regret - no? And none of the suggestions quite met your expectations.. Be kinder to yourself, John. And do something kind for someone else today. Something simple and anonymous. You'll feel better. To Jon Freeman: Your music makes me happy. I will continue to ask for the banjo. To hell with your neighbors. You did your anonymous good deed last night on "Hearme". Now take some credit for sharing yourself and your talent and feel better about yourself. This past week fliers were passed out at Shea Stadium announcing "Battery Day" to honor John Rocker (Rocket?). My reaction was that it would be better to welcome him with absolute silence. Not a word; not a purchase of a hotdog or a beer or a tee shirt. I feel the same about the talented little boy who is misbehaving here. Ignore him and he will go away until he grows up. Then he may even be willing to share his talents with us. |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: Jim the Bart Date: 21 Apr 00 - 01:43 PM John Evans - I congratulate you on the courage to face this problem. I'm trying to come to grips with how to help a friend who also can't stop drinking and won't admit that it's his problem to solve. I wish I could offer advice as good as some that you've gotten here, but I don't have anything but my good wishes to offer. And you have them. One thing to consider as you try to beat this demon - is there another problem hiding behind the drinking? I have been involved with some extremely talented musicians (it always comes back to music for me somehow) who self-destructed through drinking; some through drugs. What I found in some cases was that it was easier for them to say they failed because they drank then to face their deeper fears and problems. I'm not presuming to say this applies to you, and alcohol is a big enough problem on its own. But if you find yourself quitting and then backsliding, it may be time to dig a little deeper. Good luck. And she knows the pain I'm going through In this world inside my head 'Cause there's a devil in the bottle And it wants to see me dead |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: Jim Dixon Date: 21 Apr 00 - 01:29 PM Everyone, please stop shouting. Alcoholism is VERY relevant to music. Alcohol and music are frequently "served" side by side in the same establishments. If you aspire to make your living by music - which is hard enough without an alcohol problem - it is even harder to be confronted with your temptation in your place of business. Although I don't want to mention any names, because I am not sufficiently informed about particular circumstances, I think it's a safe bet that alcohol has contributed to the early deaths of many folksingers. I remember seeing one famous and talented musician drink himself into a paralytic stupor at a party held in his honor. He is no longer with us. It behooves all of us to take alcoholism seriously and do what we can to prevent such tragedies. I am not qualified to recommend any particular method for overcoming an alcohol problem. By all means, search for the best help you can find, but don't delay getting help until you have found the perfect helpers. A drowning person may need to reach for the closest lifeline, even if it isn't the best. |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: Rick Fielding Date: 21 Apr 00 - 01:20 PM Fascinating post Willie. Lots to think about. Hi Jon. 'Fraid I disagree with you about the various flamers' motives here. These are obviously the same folks who've made prior appearences in threads that had nothing to do with alcohol, or AA, or anything related. I think his/her/their buttons get pushed by "sentimentality, plain and simple". The profanity and scatalogical content just strike me as one of the excesses that being anonymous fosters. My own highly selfish best case scenario for Mudcat would be one where discussions like this (alcoholism) could take place without interruptions. I'm aware though that some find them absolutely out of place in a music site. Others here get VERY upset when things turn political, and are forever telling the rest to "stop posting here, at once!(personally, I think those discussions/arguements are usually fascinating) I'd love to see the music chats reflect what "I" consider folk music, and the opinions given based on some "investment". T'aint gonna happen the way I want it though, so I'll go with the flow til I find it doesn't interest me enough to stay. Flaming is simply the price of of doing business on the net. I know some would like to think that folkies are too nice to "lose it" and take pot shots at others, but they're wrong. IN GENERAL, I've found the folk community pretty damned tolerant...but even folkies go ballistic at times. Monitored (and paid) membership here would eliminate 90% of it. AND be WORTH it! Rick |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: GUEST,Fortunato Date: 21 Apr 00 - 12:56 PM If you're still out there, John. Good luck to you. I hope you find meaning and reward in what you choose to replace alcohol. Cheers, Fortunato |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: Wesley S Date: 21 Apr 00 - 12:54 PM Willie-O I'm glad your recovery is going so well. Good for you - keep it up. But I thing you have to admit that there are some people out there that ARE powerless over alcohol and for them and others AA might just work. I'm glad that you posted your resources and I hope that John looks into them AND AA to see which one will work for him. Some people like Gibons and some prefer Martins. The important thing is that if someone perceives that they have a problem then they should look into ways that they can get help with it. John - reguardless of which road you decide to go down, I'll be thinking about you and wishing you the best. Feel free to contact me. Wesley S. |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: Willie-O Date: 21 Apr 00 - 12:22 PM Time for me to weigh in here with some alternative suggestions, which may be of interest to John or Jon or anyone who wonders about their relationship with alcohol:
I quit drinking a year and a half ago, cause I felt my life needed changing and sorting out and that was the first thing I needed to do. After 40,000 beers or so, (sixpack a day more or less for twenty years) I figure I'd pretty much had my quota and needed to get more done in my remaining productive years (being 42 and trying to switch from being a usually-unemployed carpenter to a usually-employed techie; a transition I'm still working on ) Like the vast majority of people who succeed in quitting drinking (or smoking) I did not join AA or any other group. And I meant to call up and get some counselling but I never did that either. When I quit it was more or less spontaneous, I was doing a lot of reading and online research in order to study what was happening to me, and work it out. The first surprise I had was how difficult stopping wasn't. No shakes, no nausea, no physical symptoms whatsoever. (Until I stopped, I'd be into the beer by 11 a.m. most days at home, and desperate for a couple at lunch if I was working. That memory is, more than any other factor and there are many, what keeps me away from the stuff. I don't ever want to feel like that again.) AA never interested me, partly because I'm a lifelong atheist and not interested in a religious-based program (although you will hear the standard line about how AA also welcomes atheists and agnostics, its sort of like pitying the sinners, not for me thanks); and secondly because if you try on those twelve steps, the first one is to "admit that you are powerless over alcohol." With all due respect to the folks that this program has helped, I think that's a bunch of crap. If I was powerless over alcohol I'd still be drinking it. I firmly believe, that I quit drinking by finding my personal strength and resources, and utilizing them. That was a conviction I came to before I discovered the existence of some alternative-to-AA groups for which the primary tenets are just those two factors--first, they have a completely non-religiously-oriented recovery program, whatever their beliefs may be, and second, that they use their personal power instead of denying it. You can find out more about this approach at: www.unhooked.com I didn't join this group either, or particularly subscribe to their whole platform, but it helps to have support, no doubt about it; two weeks after I had my last beer, I started talking about it on a mailing list of old friends and that helped me a lot. The peculiar thing you find, in this thread and in the world at large, is how successful AA has been at dominating the discussion, such that society equates sobriety with AA just like burgers and McDonalds. The thing is, people are different, their problems, needs and recovery processes are not all the same, and the AA "everyone follow these steps, and if you question them you're in denial, if you don't keep going to meetings you will relapse and die in the gutter" is actually rather cultlike in its circular logic. If you look into the subject, you will soon discover that all is not as it appears; there is considerable medical and legal controversy about the effectiveness or lack thereof of the 12-step model, (not to mention its recent application to a host of other problems which are also defined as addictions although they are physiologically very different), the disease model, and whether problem drinkers or alcoholics can ever become moderate social drinkers again. And this is the second thing that surprised me: when I'd tell people I quit drinking, they'd either say "Why?" or "Have you joined AA? and start to tell me about their involvement with a 12-step program for something or other. For me, the point was to quit drinking and improve my life, not join some club.
A couple of other net resources you should check out:
Whoa, long posting. I DO go on about this stuff. John E, join the Cat (if you aren't already a member) and drop me a personal if you want to discuss this further. There are many routes out of this swamp. Best, Bill Cameron aka Willie-O
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: Wesley S Date: 21 Apr 00 - 10:11 AM Jon - I suspect you're on to something. |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: Jon Freeman Date: 21 Apr 00 - 09:57 AM It's been an interesting thread so far. There have been several BS around (as usual) and some of them like the Marmite thread have less to do with music than this thread (as Rick and others have mentioned alchololim, other drug abuse and musicians as been an issue for centuries) but have not attracted anything like the same degree of abuse and I can't help wonder why: Are they the sort of sick people that delight in making fun of another persons problems? Or did it hit a nerve end with them. Could it be that they have problems that they don't wish to face and that this thread was in danger of discussing this ground? Jon |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: Teasle Date: 21 Apr 00 - 07:18 AM John Evans - there are some good people at the Mudcat who will no doubt be able to help and support in varying degrees ... they are easy to spot .. I send you my good wishes too ... I don't consider myself to be sanctimonious or self-righteous and hope I don't come across in that way but the SERENITY PRAYER which is something I know AA members often quote is a useful maxim to us all as we bump along in this complex life ... God, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference. Go for it! My life has been profoundly affected by alcohol - my father and my brother both violent alcoholics - my ex partner .... none of them ever acknowledged that they had a problem with alcohol (or a problem masked by alcohol). However, a very good friend of mine (female) reached her 'rock bottom' four years ago and went to AA. She has earned the respect of all who know her by facing her demons and succeeding in maintaining her sobriety. She has turned her life around .... in an amazing way. She is an inspiration t me. I confess, I didn't think she would be able to do it ... but she has. You can do it... Love to you this Easter, Teasle |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: Joe Offer Date: 21 Apr 00 - 03:55 AM Two people wrote me to complain about this thread, so I stopped to take a look. Yeah, it's nasty. I deleted a graphic since they're not allowed, and also the replies related to the graphic. Generally, though, we try to avoid censoring messages unless they are direct attacks on individuals. You guys know the routine. If you want to stop flames, don't reply to flamers. Act as if they weren't here. There is a worthwhile discussion going on here in this thread - direct your attention to that, and ignore the nasty stuff. Thanks. -Joe Offer- |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: The Beanster Date: 21 Apr 00 - 03:31 AM John, I really admire your courage in admitting that you're having a problem with alcohol. It's not easy to admit to yourself, let alone others, that you need some help. But don't let it stop here. If you don't take any action, nothing will change. Like others have said, there is lots of support and treatment out there. You're not alone with this--many people know firsthand what you're going through. Talk to them. And don't only do it for your loved ones, do it for YOU. And Jon Freeman, sounds like you may be in the same boat. Why do you say you're past the point of caring? I keep writing things here in this message and then erasing them because it all sounds so contrite and stupid--obviously, I don't know what to say but I've always enjoyed your posts in the past and I had to say something. Neither of you deserves to suffer this way...sending good wishes to both of you. |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: GUEST, Threadie Date: 21 Apr 00 - 02:25 AM He was talking about Doug, I think The "I dont drink scotch" one wasn't funny and was only mildly helpful. They think they're not what they are. That's because they only judge themselves and others by their own standards. Beware John. |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: Kelida Date: 21 Apr 00 - 02:16 AM Just wanted to put a good word in for people who don't act like inconsiderate, immature @$$holes. . . Peace--Keli |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: Amos Date: 21 Apr 00 - 02:13 AM I know sweetie, and my remark was not aimed at you, either. Sorry if it offended. |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: Kelida Date: 21 Apr 00 - 02:07 AM I'm 17, Amos, and I don't act that way. . . |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: Amos Date: 21 Apr 00 - 02:05 AM This gives new dimensions to the expression "flaming asshole". But y'know I think it is just a mishmash of extremes -- a high natural intelligence, technical skills (some) and a really rough case of plebian immaturity. Bad combination. WHy not come back when you have acquired some adulthood? At least until you are nineteen. A |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: DougR Date: 21 Apr 00 - 02:03 AM Don't drink scotch, Threadie. Didn't intend it to be humorous. Not sure you'd recognize "humor" if you saw it anyway. DougR |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: GUEST, Threadie Date: 21 Apr 00 - 01:27 AM And what was that Doug. It was neither helpful, nor humorous How's the scotch and ice coming along? |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: DougR Date: 21 Apr 00 - 01:22 AM 'Tis a pity. Guest, Threadie thinks he's funny. DougR |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: GUEST Date: 21 Apr 00 - 01:16 AM "identified himself as an AA member." Kind of a contradiction in terms, innit? |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: Lonesome EJ Date: 21 Apr 00 - 01:10 AM John. you really expose yourself to receiving a raft of crap by starting a thread with such a confession. Since, obviously, you have identified your drinking as a problem, I hope you will pursue a solution and begin a process of recovery. Banjoman has identified himself as an AA member. You might personal message him (you would have to become a member first) for more details about the program. Or PM me or any other sympathetic folks if you just want someone to talk about it to. Best of luck to you, John. LEJ |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: GUEST, Threadie Date: 21 Apr 00 - 12:28 AM It seems some people don't know who their enemies are. John, another symptom is the classic persecution complex that appears alongside Alcoholism. Those who would help you, remember, are maybe not the best qualified to do so. The GUEST who suggested that you seek out likeminded people in a likeminded place has a vital point. Anybody who drinks - ANYBODY who even has 1 pint every 10 years is NOT qualified. Why? Because they haven't left it behind them yet, and if I read your post right, you want to. Don't take advice from drinkers, and remember, you also have to lighten up on yourself. And humor is important. And for the rest of you morose people. Go and mix yourselves a Martini, and let on that everything is OK. |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: GUEST,BeetleJuice Date: 21 Apr 00 - 12:07 AM ...Mary Poppins should be arriving anytime now with several spoonfulls... |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: mjm Date: 21 Apr 00 - 12:06 AM Wow, Mr Evans, There is so much going on in here. The dynamics are just incredible. I've read them all and re-read quite a few. Seems to me, Mr Evans, an impressive number of these threads have nasty problems themselves. But yours is bound to have a happy ending, I think. God Bless you. m |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: Kelida Date: 21 Apr 00 - 12:01 AM Twitchy, and other(s)--Is there any actual reason for you to make light of this situation? It's tasteless and cruel. The picture was a RIDICULOUS waste of space, and was simply and utterly inappropriate for the situation. If your problem is that this isn't music related, you don't have to participate in this thread. If that isn't your problem, you STILL don't have to participate. Please, and I am asking nicely, refrain from being overtly cruel. --Bridget |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: GUEST Date: 21 Apr 00 - 12:01 AM The higher power does not necessarily include God, Banjoman, and you know this. Remember the 12 traditions. Don't give a one-sided view of AA. You could scare people off |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: Banjoman_CO Date: 20 Apr 00 - 11:57 PM John: thanks for your confession,it took a lot of guts. I lived in a bottle for 25 years. 18 years ago I was able to give it us. I developed a great faith in the Lord and AA. My friends in AA were great at helping me and supporting me. My wife was also a tremendous help. She stuck with me through it all. But my greatest help came from my faith in the Lord. For you it might not be the Lord. In AA we talk about a powere higher that we, whoever or whatever that might be. Get into an AA group. Go as many nights as you can a week. And use your sponsor. They are a God-send. Good Luck. Banjoman |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: GUEST Date: 20 Apr 00 - 11:57 PM "Oh", said Mummy Bear "Who's been sleeping in my porridge?" |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: Kelida Date: 20 Apr 00 - 11:54 PM I second that, moonchild. . . Pretty tasteless under the circumstances. And as far as I know, no, you cannot smoke ecstasy. --Bridget |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: GUEST,Twitchy Date: 20 Apr 00 - 11:54 PM Well Moon, you have sunk to an even lower level than any of us here could have every aspired to. Your posts should be banned, and no, you won't get any expeletives or profanity back from us. We tend to use humor and sarcasm as our weapons of choice -- some like, some don't and some ignore. If you can't handle it, go underground since you have expressed your disillusionment with the Forum, get yourself an anonyomous name, and swear to your heart's content. We'll smell you a mile away, and when we do we'll call Praise to pray for you and your wretched little Gibson. |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: GUEST, Sam Slop Date: 20 Apr 00 - 11:41 PM Can you smoke extasy? |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: Kelida Date: 20 Apr 00 - 11:39 PM Sorry, "pill for" should be "pill form." Peace--Bridget |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: GUEST,Twitchy Date: 20 Apr 00 - 11:39 PM Hmmmm....Moonchild perhaps a gefilte fish enema, with a little extra ''horse-raddish'' added, might do you a bit of good? (Well at the least the cats in your neighborhood will adore you.) (Chill Babe.) |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: Kelida Date: 20 Apr 00 - 11:34 PM *Is a bit pissed to see some people making light of a serious problem, but still determined to add her $0.02* I'm not a drinker myself, especially since I can't even buy the stuff legally, but I know people who are drinkers, and I know people with serious drug problems who have (and many who have not) tried to quit. John, I think it's wonderful that you have recognized your problem and want to stop. The other half of the battle will be sticking with it. Whatever you do, though, DON'T GIVE UP. Too many brilliant, talented, beautiful people ruin themselves with alcohol and drugs. I know a brilliant (or he could be) hacker who is smoking himself stupid with marijuana, and a young writer who is doing the same thing (mostly with ecstasy, but the same difference, just in pill for and worse). Also, don't believe all the "it's never to late to quit" bullshite. Don't procrastinate--stop now while you have the desire to do so. Good luck, and I hope everything works out for you. Peace--Bridget |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: GUEST,mary g Date: 20 Apr 00 - 11:33 PM in addition to getting help through AA and support groups, please get medical and nutritional help. Consider that you most likely have defects in your carbohydrate metabolism. There are vitamins and supplements that can help a lot, and a diet high in protein and fiberous vegetables and essential oils and low in sugars and white pasty starches (very very low) will probably help....mg |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: GUEST,Twitchy Date: 20 Apr 00 - 11:32 PM A string walks into a bar and orders a drink. "Sorry, we don't serve strings," says the bartender. "What? That sucks," said the string. So the string walks into the bathroom and ties himself in a knot and messes up his end. He comes back out and approaches the bar again and again orders a drink. "Hey, aren't you that string?" asks the bartender. "No. I'm a frayed knot." A guy walks into a bar and sees a dog lying in the corner licking his balls. He turns to the bartender and says, "Boy, I wish I could do that." The Bartender replies, "You'd better try petting him first." An obviously intoxicated gentleman staggers into a tavern and seats himself at the bar. After being served, he notices a woman sitting a few stools down. He motions the bartender over and says "Bartender, I'd like to buy that old douchebag down there a drink." Somewhat offended, the bartender replies "Sir, I run a respectable establishment, and I don't appreciate you calling my female customers douchebags." The man looked ashamed of himself and muttered "You're right, that was uncalled for...please allow me to buy the woman a cocktail." "That's better" said the bartender and he approached the woman. "Ma'am, the gentleman down the bar would like to buy you a drink. What would you like?" "How nice!" replied the woman, "I'll have a vinegar and water. |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: GUEST,moonchild Date: 20 Apr 00 - 11:30 PM I am totally disgusted by the crap, trolls, and flames that now dominate this site, however, of all subjects relating to musicians, substance abuse is a prominent issue. How many folk musicians have killed themselves through their abuses? Many. John Evans ... I apologize for the village idiots who have dominated your thread and made a mockery of your "confession." I'm fortunate, in that I don't smoke and rarely drink, but I've been touched by both in my personal life. I've been told that admitting it the beginning. If this is where you have chosen to "admit" your addiction, my prayers are with you. If this is the only place you can bear to talk about it, I hope we can give you some support. Please take Aine's advice and find a group. There, you will find support from others who have/are walking in your shoes. Please keep us posted. Are you a musician? If so, what do you play? Do you sing? I'm celebrating Pesach (Passover). May you find your way out, as well ... shalom ... moonchild |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: GUEST, Sam Slop Date: 20 Apr 00 - 11:20 PM Oh yeah....memory Whew. |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: GUEST, Sam Slop Date: 20 Apr 00 - 10:28 PM Oh yeah. Alcohol kills the short term......short term...Shit Sorry folks. |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: GUEST, Sam Slop Date: 20 Apr 00 - 10:26 PM Eh.....Eh......shit I forgot what I was going to say, now |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: GUEST Date: 20 Apr 00 - 08:36 PM Alcololosim is a terminal disease. You cannot take it or leave it, it takes or leaves you. It is a fight you cannot win, because the disease has one very important difference from any otherr. It tells you that you don't have the disease in the first place. "I can take one and be fine after" "I only drink beer". If you know that you have a problem, just listen to yorself trying to talk you out of it. Look at the others, Morrison, Janis, Jimi, Elvis. These people were great, but it didn't stop them dying of addiction. So why think we are any different. Alcohol has always been a part of the music business, as have all the addicitve legal and illegal drugs. If you are having too much of a good time you will never give it up. There is a line you must cross first. It is a different line for everybody, but once you cross it you will know that any future denial of a problem is meaningless. This is really when your problems start. For once you take the alcohol away, you are left with the 'ism'. You will not be "cured" by reading these messages, in fact there is NO cure. There is no controll either. You have to get into that state of "enlightenment" where you don't want a drink, or a snort, or whatever. You can only get to that state by surrounding yourself with like-minded people who accept their affliction with humility. Then can the healing begin. It is good that you have sensed there is something not quite right about your drinking. Don't have a beer to celebrate this discovery. Good luck. |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: Ed Pellow Date: 20 Apr 00 - 07:44 PM This thread seems to be an odd mix of a really serious and important problem, combined with utter nonsence. Would it be possible for Joe Offer, or anyone else who can to zap the rubbish stuff? |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: GUEST, Threadie Date: 20 Apr 00 - 07:41 PM Or the Shambles' fund for the Educationally Sub-Normal |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: Jon Freeman Date: 20 Apr 00 - 07:39 PM John, I have struggled with alcoholism for many years. I seem to go round in the same circles. I drink more and more until I think it has gone too far, usually because I make myself feel ill (I am not a violent drunk), then I cut right back down to maybe a pint a day, then it builds up again. I know that I am destroying myself with the drinking and the smoking but in all honesty, I am past the point of caring about it. Having said that, I hoe you do manage to break the habbit. Jon |
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Subject: RE: Alcoholism From: GUEST, A.C. Date: 20 Apr 00 - 07:39 PM I think an adequate sum would be $500 to the Mudcat fund, don't you? A.C. always on the lookout for new business opportunities. |
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