Hello ArtsyDiva,

It all depends on whether a person is or is not an alcoholic, or somewhere down the road towards alcoholism. For an alcoholic or potential alcoholic, there is no in-between or grey area and the only safe option is not to drink at all. There are well-understood reasons for that and if you are having problems with alcohol, it would be wise for you to understand those reasons.

Alcoholism is a progressive condition, meaning that it gets worse with time. Trying to stay sober only for certain amounts of time is a strategy that is probably doomed to failure if you are an alcoholic. There are several reasons for this. First of all, once an alcoholic takes a drink, he or she develops a craving for more alcohol so one drink will usually lead to much more.

You have quit drinking more times than you can count and this cycle points to the other aspect of alcoholism which is a mental; obsession with alcohol. A person who has this obsession will always find reasons to drink. Alcoholism also leads to wrong thinking and the lines become blurred between reality and fiction.

When I was drinking, I became totally convinced that there were many things that I could not do without alcohol. The obsession for alcohol led to WRONG THINKING and this enabled me to come up with reasons that would justify drinking. It looks like you could be suffering from the same sort of wrong thinking in reasoning that you cannot play music without drinking.

Exercise, healthy eating and keeping your calendar full may help a little but that alone will probably not solve the problem. In order to recover from alcoholism, it is often necessary to bring about a big change in the way of thinking and people often require outside help in order to achieve that change. Once that change occurs, you will be in a position to do anything that you want to do without alcohol. You may find that playing jazz without the booze is so much more enjoyable.

If you do nothing, the problem will probably get much worse so this would be a good time to look for help. There are many options, including Alcoholics Anonymous.

To be clear I can play and do music and enjoy it without alcohol more often than not. I don't drink then practice, or teach. I'm talking about a specific situation of getting on the bandstand at a club., very different scene, and I'm a young player new to jazz., and new to the live music scene as well (which takes place in bars and clubs.)

There are all kinds of different theories out there and definitions of alcoholism and how to deal with it. I know I am one, I'm not in doubt about that.

I guess I'm wondering if anyone in this community has experienced trying to work in the music industry while being an alcoholic. It's a scene with high pressure.

I was on and off in sobriety in a 7 year battle to completely stop. AA was not help for me. I tried secular Life Ring, it didn't work for me. I final found sobriety in an unusual place. I went to Dharma lessons at a Buddhist temple. I didn't go there to seek sobriety. It just happened. What I learned anyone can learn in secular psychology. I learned that I am my higher power. Getting sober is something that I have to do for myself. A God is not going to do it for me. I learned not to attach, to stop the grasping. I learned to accept the difficulties of life rather than to avoid them. I got through two cancer treatments, involving numerous surgeries, chemo and radiation, by accepting. I learned that the past is the past. It cannot be undone. I lived in the present with the "new" me. I learned mindful meditation.

I added friends to my DS (Daily Strength) account. We share our journals.

I have about 6 to 8 years sobriety. I am not sure my day one, it is not important. The important thing is that I live, in the here and now.

I work with a lot of musicians as a photographer, taking images for their album and press releases, etc. One of my biggest inspirations for my own sobriety has been a well-known jazz drummer I'll call Brian (not his real name). He's been sober since I've known him over ten years and does concerts around the world in various venues including nightclubs. Brian loves talking to fans during breaks and while they're enjoying a beer or cocktail he always has a bottled water in his hand. I was at an album release party that he played in for an emerging singer/songwriter, and champagne was flowing everywhere, and there was Brian with his bottled water. He's one of the coolest people I know and always in control of the situation, always dependable and highly respected in his art. I spent three days during a recording session with him last summer and besides booze after hours, there was a lot of weed, but he never wavered. It just won't happen with him. For Brian, it's a lifestyle, a life choice. He wants to be the best at all times and alcohol or drugs just don't fit into that agenda. I see a lot of really good musicians and singers doing the same thing, but Brian is a close friend, my inspiration, and wanted to share the story...

I am not a musician. But you know who are musicians? Ringo starr, joe walsh, slash, and countless of other mega famous stars in the music industry and Hollywood.

They can do it. You can too. Get grounded sobriety and continue doing what you
love to do.

Believe it or not, from time to time I think about them, and realie that one party or event is nothing compared to sober celebrities who live surrounded by alcohol and drugs.

The music will write itself. As an alcoholic I would constantly surround myself with others that were drinking so that my drinking would not look so bad. The problem was that when I decided to get sober the others were still boozing up around me and that was cause for a huge ... self pity party.

I too quit a million times. This time its different, I get sober. it is an action. I take the actions to make my own destiny. I dont get caught up in the traps that would snag me every time. I just dont go into the situations as much. I get too tempted.

I hope you find the good sober life you deserve. It is amazing now I actually hear music and words because my brain is processing. I used to live in a blur. Life is so much more in tune.

1is2many

Nothing like the type of industry you are dedicated to but my group of friends are all drinkers and drink every weekend. I found it really difficult for a long while after starting my journey to be around them. 16 months on, last night my husband and I had a get together at our home. There are things happening in my private life and my husband just felt that he wanted to spend time with friends before they all started on their summer holidays which would make it difficult for us all to get together before the end of August.

The booze was in full flow and everyone was having a good time. Dancing, singing and chatting etc. Even a few months ago I would have felt very uncomfortable being in a situation like that and would only stay for an hour or so. This was a big thing for me as I couldn't leave early - it was at my home. BUT I am at peace with who and what I am. I have accepted that I can not take that first drink and whilst a short while ago I post on DS about avoiding these functions like the plague, I now know that there is no reason to. I enjoyed myself last night immensely, I was sober yet I danced and sang just like my drunken buddies. I laughed and joined in with whole night. The only difference between them and me was that I woke up this morning without a hangover and remembered the memories that we made last night whilst I know that my buddies recollections will be vague. I have had a productive day, yet one by one my buddies have called when they've come to collect their cars and they have all looked rather green, some still looking under the influence and at risk of getting a DUI even the morning after!

So for me its sober all the way - I'm happier than I have ever been.
xx

Amen judge!

I play sober. Haven't had a drink in over 27 years thanks to AA. You might be amazed at the number of really good musicians you will find in a meeting. Sometimes it is really hard to get on stage sober. After I strike the first chord, everything gets right. Good luck.

Hey there, I myself am a musician and play for living. I think all the stuff you are doing is great such as exercise, healthy diet, eating habit, keeping a full schedule though trying to do this alone will most likely won’t solve the problem. It seems like you have desire to do so, you’re making the effort but to having a network of group of community will be needed. Have you thought about an AA group? I will encourage an AA group as a great starting point.

I really appreciate the feedback and stories! I have looked a bit into AA but my schedule has been overwhelmingly busy. I have two really supportive friends though who have been very helpful in helping me process and get where I am currently. I also have a awesome coworker who has been sober for over two years. She is great to talk too and very encouraging. I've been focusing way less on trying to gig and play and instead been spending all my energy on teaching for the moment.

I think as time goes on I'll be able to go out and play without drinking. My perspective has changed a ton this past month and I am finding it way easier to be sober than it has been when I have attempted in the past. Happy to say today is day 10 sober going on 11 tomorrow! I'm really thankful for all the input so I can come back and read it at a later date:)

Whilst you have a busy schedule have you thought about programmes that do an online service? It sounds as though you have terrific support from your friends and co-worker which is exactly what you need but to broaden that support network is paramount to successful sobriety.

It doesn't have to be AA, there are many other programmes out there, its just about finding the right one for you that fits in with your commitments. Whilst your friends can be relied upon to give you that shoulder that you will need when things gets tough, a network of people who have or who are travelling the same journey as you will be able to share coping strategies and techniques with you. Your co-worker I'm sure will help you greatly and her support will be invaluable but please don't dismiss extending that help, the greater support the greater success.

Congratulations on 10 days xxx