#1: Musicians are human beings.
All people have the potential to become addicts. Witness the people who’ve had no trouble with substance abuse who are prescribed painkillers later in life and become addicted to them.
#2: Some people are genetically predisposed to addiction.
They tend to have certain personality traits: to be sensitive, solitary, prone to depression, thrill-seeking, socially anxious. I venture there’s a large overlap between the artistic temperament and the addictive personality.
#3: A musician’s life is extremely stressful.
Especially early in their career, they’re constantly struggling to hone their craft, meet compatible players, find gigs, pay the rent, endure rejection, and all the time wonder if it will pay off. A drink or a joint takes the edge off. It’s an easy habit to get into. And once you have the habit, it comes with you—even if you do find success.
#4: Alcohol and other drugs are constantly available.
Musicians play in bars. Drugs are always around. And the culture encourages you to join in. And again, once you start partaking regularly it’s easy to slip into overuse and then addiction.
#5: Coming down after a show is hard.
Performing is a natural high. Just like actors after a performance, it’s easy top get in the habit of reaching for chemical help to come down from that high and be able to sleep.
#6: Life on the road is boring.
You have far too much time on your hands. Don’t underestimate the pernicious effects of boredom.
#7: Success is isolating.
Everyone wants something from you. There’s no one you can trust to not have an angle. It becomes increasingly hard to have any meaningful relationships.
#8: Outward success doesn’t equal inner happiness.
The contrast between how the world perceives you and how you feel inside can be deeply painful. Whatever demons you’ve imagined success would leave behind are still with you.
Of course, you don’t have to be a musician to be stressed out, bored and lonely. And it’s all too easy to turn to chemical help to relieve those painful feelings. And once you get far enough down that road, it’s almost impossible to stop without help.
The good news is there is help. People are meeting every night of the week to support each other and help others who are ready to stop. Google “AA” or “NA” and give it a try.