Pit Bull

I hate to spoil the party… so I’ll let each reader decide for his or herself. If you think you have a problem (you probably do). I’ve also listed some places where you can go for help:

Are You An Alcoholic?
The first sign that you may have a problem with alcohol is the fact you’re even toying with the question. But don’t be afraid to ask because the first step in dealing with the issue is to recognize that the problem even exists and then admit you need help.

How can you tell if your alcohol use has turned into alcohol abuse? Read these warning signs from the Mayo Clinic and honestly ask yourself if they apply to you.

10 Warning Signs of Alcohol Abuse
1. You drink specifically to become intoxicated.

2. You prefer to drink when you’re alone or keep your alcohol consumption a secret.

3. You drink alcohol as a way to deal with or escape from your problems.

4. You stash alcohol in unlikely places.

5. You become irritable if alcohol is unavailable when you want a drink.

6. You have a ritual of drinking at certain times of the day and become upset if this ritual is disturbed.

7. You have lost interest in the hobbies and activities you used to enjoy.

8. Problems have arisen at work, school, home, or with the legal system because of your drinking.

9. You frequently experience memory loss or blackouts as a result of heavy drinking.

10. You become annoyed when friends, family members or loved ones say you have a drinking problem.

If two or more of these statements sound like you, the bad news is that you likely do have an alcohol abuse problem. However, this doesn’t necessarily indicate an alcohol addiction. According to the NIAA, alcoholics will also experience these four symptoms:

4 Warning Signs of Alcoholism
1. An increasing tolerance to alcohol.

2. The inability to stop drinking once you start.

3. Strong urges or cravings to drink.

4. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, nausea, shakiness, and cold sweats when you don’t have a drink.

Help For Your Drinking Problems
Alcoholism is a deadly and devastating disease. It affects sufferers mentally, physically, emotionally, and perhaps even spiritually. If you attempt to stop or control your drinking and find that you can’t do it alone, it’s time to get help. Enlist the aid of a loved one, or seek professional guidance.

Here are the phone numbers of three alcoholism support groups that can help put you on the path to full recovery:

Alcoholics Anonymous
alcoholics-anonymous.org
(212) 870-3400

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
niaaa.nih.gov
(301) 443-3860

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependencies
ncadd.org
(212) 269-7797

And finally, here’s how I got right with god:

god grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference

I’ve read the other posts on this thread (some are pretty scary) and I’ve also received some personal messages (most very thoughtful) from other members. I will say that when it comes to alcohol and drugs there are those who know what’s going on, those who don’t know what’s going on and many who wonder what the hell? Here’s an excerpt from my message to another member:
Thank you for you most thoughtful email. Just so you know, I’ll be clean and sober 22 years on December 8th. (If I make it…) Not being part of her entourage I can be a little more blunt and frank without having to worry about the repercussions. I’ve seen Lucinda bombed out her mind backstage on at least four occasions: at Santa Cruz five years ago, the Mountain Winery in 2005 and 2006, and in Santa Rosa in 2006. FYI… it was back stage at the Santa Rosa show when I was talking with Lucinda and the daughter of a famous blue musician (who’s in recovery) when I pulled out my AA chip and said her father and I belong to the same club. I watched the blood drain from Lucinda’s face… like she’d just seen a ghost. It was sheer fear. I’m sure the thought of going on tour and performing without taking anything terrifies her beyond compare. I remember before I got sober…I couldn’t imagine doing anything without drinking (or drugs)… Recovery is hard and nobody checks into AA early. But once you cross over the line, there’s no more booze, pot, coke et al. PERIOD. The trade-off is your life gets a whole lot better once you realize you DON’T need the self-medication to be a productive artist. I can name at least 25 other famous musicians who are in recovery and are still making great music. So it’s not the end… but a beginning.

Maybe it’s time to just tell it like it is: Not only should Lucinda stop touring for a while she should also check into rehab. The constant touring has taken a toll on her act. And her continued abuse of booze and “recreational” drugs has taken a toll on her. She’s not alone: Lucinda has surrounded herself with users on the road. Have you ever noticed how alcoholics and addicts surround themselves with other alcoholics and addicts so no one can call them on their self-medication or bullshit? It’s hard to admit you have a problem when everyone is blowin’ smoke up your ass about how great you are. Which in Lucinda’s case is true. She’s an amazingly gifted singer-songwriter. How else could’ve she written a song like “Drunken Angel?” She says it’s about Blaze Foley. And over the years, she’s said it could also be about Townes, Kurt, Jim, Jerry, and Janis et al. These days when I hear her perform Drunken Angel I think it’s about her. Also, you don’t come clean (or get sober) from writing a song like Jailhouse Tears. You come clean and get sober by checking into rehab. It’s not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength. Her view of musicians, who’ve died for their drug and drink, as martyrs and tragic figures may help create a great song, but it’s not the path to a healthy or very long life. The fact is, most were just too sick (in denial) and didn’t know how to stop using or get well. And unfortunately, no one had the guts to tell them, until it was too late. So let this be a wake-up call to Lucinda and all of those who truly have her best interests at heart. Take an extended break, get well, and come back stronger than ever. You don’t need the money. But we need your music.

P.S. In case you’re wondering… over the years I’ve been on the road, in the audience, backstage, and talked to a “drunk” Lucinda enough times to see the decline. Not to mention, that I have lots of dead addict friends whom I miss (some more than others).

P.P.S. To illbeyou: Best show: HOB New Orleans 9-22-03. Best album: Essence