Why do so many musicians have Substance abuse issues

Nearly 21 million Americans have at least one addiction, so it’s no surprise that so many musicians also have a substance abuse issue. 

Their environment, emotions, aspirations and drive for success make them more prone to addiction than the rest of the population. 

Once they become dependent on drugs and alcohol, their unique lifestyle makes it very difficult to leave these substances behind. 

A Recipe for Disaster 

Most up-and-coming musicians are young and immature and, therefore, bound to make stupid decisions. When they do, their money and fame magnify their mistakes, which can make matters even worse. 

Once they attract attention for poor decisions, they’ll likely isolate themselves even more and turn to drugs and alcohol to block out any memory of the incident. This dependency can initiate a cycle of abuse that continues indefinitely. 

Many musicians also have a strong drive for success, which compels them to take risks and develop an obsession with fame and fortune. These qualities use the same pathways that affect an addict’s reward and pleasure centers in the brain. Thus, their personality traits and strong work ethic can actually be a recipe for disaster, especially in the music industry. 

The Search for Creativity  

Some of the world’s most successful musicians have claimed that using alcohol, psychoactive drugs and other substances increases their creativity. Of course, these claims can tempt many struggling artists to experiment with drugs. 

However, there’s still not enough evidence to suggest a direct link between creativity and substance use. And, even if there were, a creative burst isn’t worth the risk of overdosing. 

Still, many of today’s youth believe that drugs and alcohol hold the keys to creativity. Thus, they buy into the lie and begin using, which puts their lives and future careers at risk. Today, however, more artists are sharing their struggles with substance abuse and how they spark creativity while sober. Hopefully, these honest discussions will encourage aspiring musicians to embrace sobriety and find creativity elsewhere. 

Pathways to Camaraderie 

Making friends on the road is difficult, especially for musicians with social anxiety. Often, these anxious artists turn to alcohol to ease worries and boost confidence when meeting fans and other bands. However, the effects are short-lived, which only perpetuates more frequent use, eventually leading to a cycle of substance abuse and addiction. 

Unfortunately, many musicians have already fallen victim to addiction and believe drugs and alcohol to be an integral part of their social lives. Subsequently, anyone who meets them on the road will be more likely to engage in their cycle of abuse. Such is the culture and social scene of artists and traveling musicians. 

Monotony, Stress and Loneliness

Due to the music industry’s competitive nature, it’s only a matter of time before artists begin to experience the effects of stress and loneliness. After having dozens of recording studios slam the door in their face, band members may start to give up hope and turn to drugs and alcohol to drown out the pain of rejection. 

Meanwhile, those who still believe they’ll succeed will isolate themselves from their friends and family and dive headlong into writing and producing music. Even if they do make a name for themselves, they’ll spend years on the road and live a life of monotony, playing for strangers day in and day out. Eventually, this lifestyle can drive many musicians to numb their emotions with various substances. 

Constant Accessibility and Permissiveness

Successful musicians who have worked in the industry for some time also have unlimited, easy access to alcohol and drugs. This constant accessibility was never more evident than in the 1970s and 80s when bands like Aerosmith would hire roadies to sneak cocaine under their noses during live shows. 

These die-hard fans were more than willing to provide psychedelics and other illegal drugs to artists because doing so meant an influx of cash and a small claim to fame. 

Nowadays, drugs and alcohol are still highly accessible and permissible within the music industry. Because famous artists have unique skills, they’re often difficult to replace so band members and even law enforcement will be more forgiving when they get caught with illegal substances. 

Plus, most have enough money to cover their own bail and stay out of jail, which gives them even more opportunities to abuse drugs and alcohol. 

Fighting the Stigma and Finding Fulfillment

While all of the above can drive musicians to abuse substances, a lack of fulfillment is often the root cause of their addiction. Something is missing in their lives and they choose to fill that void with drugs and alcohol. Meanwhile, the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health discourages them from reaching out for help. 

Luckily, more artists are beginning to open up about their personal struggles with substance abuse, which helps to fight the stigma. Their honesty and vulnerability will continue to encourage young people to get help and avoid drugs and alcohol in the first place. After all, thousands of musicians enjoy successful, sober careers. You can, too. 

Why do so many musicians have Substance abuse issues