The music industry has been known to have a lot of issues with substance abuse. In fact, many people associate musicians with addictions to drugs and alcohol, and, surprisingly, gambling as well.
Pop band members or solo artists are typically at risk for addiction because they endure a significant amount of stress. There is always the need to have a flawless performance on each and every show. Aside from the long hours, most musicians feel that sense of instability and loneliness. There is also the difficulty of coping with fame and public image, not to mention the peer pressure from people who are already abusing drugs, alcohol, sex, and gambling.
Here are some popular musicians who have struggled and battled addiction of drugs, alcohol and gambling in their lives…
Kurt Cobain
In 1994, Nirvana’s former frontman Kurt Cobain was found dead at his home with a self-inflicted shotgun wound to the head. He struggled with heroin addiction, chronic health problems, and depression. He was never able to permanently wean himself off heroin and large doses of the drug were found in his system following his April 1994 suicide. He was 27.
Eric Clapton
Drug addiction and alcohol abuse are what rock guitarist Eric Clapton struggled with for years. Beating drugs and alcohol was not easy for Clapton. He successfully kicked heroin out of his system first but had to go to rehab twice before finally beating his alcohol addiction for good.
Ozzy Osbourne
Living heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne has survived 40 years of drug and alcohol addiction. He had a relapse back in 2013 but got back on the right track and had been sober since. He’s now undergoing intense therapy for sex addiction.
Steve Tyler
Aerosmith frontman Steve Tyler had difficulty battling his drug and alcohol addiction. He tried so hard that he went to rehab eight times before finally kicking his habit. He’s living sober and happy these days but says staying clean is a daily battle as he will always be addicted to drugs and alcohol.
Jimi Hendrix
In 1970, Jimi Hendrix, arguably the world’s greatest guitar hero died of a drug overdose at the age of 27. He used many different types of drugs, including LSD, marijuana, heroin, and amphetamines, and was said to have recklessly mixed drugs and alcohol before his death.
Gladys Knight
Music legend Gladys Knight had a ten-year gambling addiction with blackjack and baccarat. She was also into sports betting. The biggest amount she lost was $45,000 on a high-stakes binge. Her wake-up call was when she realised she was gambling instead of being home to get her son ready for school. She turned to Gamblers Anonymous and got the help she needed to finally put an end to her addiction.
Between gambling, drugs, and alcohol, some people think that gambling is much less of a concern. These days, it’s also the easiest to do because now you can gamble without having to go to the casino. One needs to simply turn to their computers and check this site out or just pick up the phone to bet. People who are addicted to gambling tend to feel that it’s not as big of a deal compared to drugs and alcohol, but the reality is being addicted to it causes significant issues as well.
It’s unfortunate that some of the most successful musicians are hooked on drugs, alcohol, and gambling. Whilst others end up dead and some still dependent, there are others who were able to successfully fight their addictions and tell their stories to serve as inspiration and hope to others who are going through the same battle.