Rac,
It's unfortunate but we live, work and participate in a system (the music industry) where it's
more popular to abuse ours bodies rather than take care of them. And this is on every level
whether you're playing Carnegie Hall or the local club on the corner.
We are very indulgent beings by nature and that indulgent behavior outside of being bad for you
even in moderation is amplified through the excessive manner in which it's done. Partying, drugs,
booze, food, women.... The list goes on and it's always over the top. All many of us need do is take
an honest look in the mirror to see what our chosen style of life has done to us.
In terms of substance abuse, when I see people get high and/or drunk, the question that arises is:
What is it about those particular persons that causes them to dislike who they are NATURALLY, to
the point where they feel the need to change that through the use of drugs and alcohol?
I see so much of this behavior through my musical peers be they the players themselves or those
that come out on their behalf.
This is an unpopular subject and thread, and I knew it would be. It's like talking about God, no one
really wants to be told or wants to hear what's right. But in like manner, it's not about the masses,
it's about those who will hear and heed.