i don't think this is THE answer, but i think AN answer is that some musicians need an extra boost to keep them awake and alert and functioning, especially on tour. a little bump here, a pill there, next thing ya know, it's an addiction.

i think that's ONE scenario. not the only one, though.

I think many musicians use drugs as a creative outlet. Also, because being a music star is like being in a constant party. Especially when on the road.

Drugs, however aren't just in the Music scene, they exist in all facets of Celebrity life. Many celebrities and those that are around them use drugs.

Drugs helped to inspire them and also were the "in" thing to do. As for why they still do drugs, because it's an addiction and once you're hooked, you don't just give it up so easy. Even if you get off of them, there is still a possibility you could go back. It's like giving up chocolate.

As for folks first getting into drugs in the 1990s after they knew what drugs could do for them, like a certain little goodie two shoes I know of, some people are just weak dumbasses to begin with and have no damn mind of their own. They are the type that will let record labels and producers decide their music and image so why wouldn't they let friends, associates, (or even husbands) decide whether or not they do drugs.

luv4u said:

I think that this thread could also work in the org Artist Community.

vainandy said:

aforementioned we're all the same
musicians, lawyers, janitors, preachers
if you decide to do a drug in your life
you will do it... famous or not
what "era" of your life cannot be guessed
could be before stardom, during climax, or after washed up

the question can't really be answered
can't speak for everyone
but I tried my choices of drug
for my own reasons
not because I saw it done
by some of the flyest people
(MJB, [insert favorite rapper here], fam members, friends, etc)
of course it sparked a curiosity
but I waited until I was good & cotdamn ready

Drugs are part of the rock and roll/jazz culture and more accessible and acceptable in those circles. I venture to say that being a musician makes one more vulnerable than usual to the ebbs and tides of public opinion, which accounts for their paycheck or lack thereof. The ego also has to endure a lot in terms of self-critique, so it's a very difficult profession really. You have to be a pretty stable person with a good support group around you to not resort to drugs.

Um maybe cause people enjoy them? In moderation certain drugs can open your mind to new ideas and new sensations. Moderation though is the problem, it seems a lot of creative people have dependancy issues so they can get hooked and some drugs are themselves addictive, once you start doing too much your mind starts getting closed off to and the efects become negative. It's no big mystery

Because it often "in the beginning" can feel like a door has been opened to higher levels of creativity..also its very common in artistic circles and quickly becomes a lifestyle rather than an occasional diversion from the norm !

To cop with pressure, rejection and insecurity. Sometimes it start as medication, but most of the time end up as addiction.

Thats all theres to it I guess.

Miles & Sly used a WHOLE lot of drugs to write their music arrangements, among other musicians. But its not a rule, after all the greatest musician of them all, Duke Ellington, wasn't a junkie.

Harlepolis said:

I like yor hazel scott quote, its a classic!!!

lonelygurl8305 said:

Yep. Jimmy was heavily into it from about '76 until '84.

Many not so nice folks hang around you once you are a "star." They ply you with drugs and sex as a way to control you. Not many managers want an artist with a mind of his/her own. Once you get caught up, it is very hard to get out. It is a challenge to control yourself when you go from very little to an unlimited supply.

That is why I respect Prince-he was able to navigate through the Purple Rain hoopla and remain true to himself. A rare feat among artists.

pfunkpilot said:

He's considered a threat among the media's insiders becoz of this too.

lonelygurl8305 said:

Billie didn't die of OD,,,she died of lung deterioration and heart attack.

Harlepolis said:

because he navigates his own ship or because he stays away from drugs?

sosgemini said:

Right

lonelygurl8305 said:

Who r the 1s on Ur avatar???

sosgemini said:

Navigating his own ship includes staying away from drugs.

Many record companies are 'pimping corporations'. They treat their artists just like a pimp treats his whores: keep them IN line. And the way to do it is to control them..

Drugs are def one of the methods they use to control their artists. Of course, peer pressure has its share on influencing those artists to get addicted in the 1st place.
[Edited 2/10/07 12:47pm]

lonelygurl8305 said:

Good question. But there are too many answers. A lot of them were doing drugs before they got famous. All the money did was increase their habit.

Harlepolis said:

gotcha.

btw, I've been an artist and musician forever and never found drugs helpful in inspiring me creatively. Though entertaining, they just made me lazy and complacent. The real creativity happened through hard work and focus.

heartbeatocean said:

ditto.

Harlepolis said:

heartbeatocean said:

I had one too many glasses of wine once at a party where I was playing with a band. Totally screwed up after that--couldn't keep the focus on what I was doing.

The real question is why is it that EVERYONE is on drugs?

Caffeine, nocotine, alcohol, sugar are all common that they are never mentioned but when people are dependent on them every day why are they so different from any other drug?

Then, perscription drugs that keep people dependent and mood altering drugs (prozac) that people use everyday. I understand there is a medical justification but unless it's life or death, what are we doing defining people based on what "medicine", self-diagnosted or otherwise, they take?

It's all very hypocritical to say, "I have to have a cup of coffee in the morning" and then say, "people use heroin everyday to feel "normal" are addicts".

While I've got a couple of vices, I don't judge people based on theirs. Musicians or my co-workers, smokers, depressed people, etc.
[Edited 2/11/07 9:04am]