Why are so many musicians drug addicts?

Question

What about all the non-famous musicians? (they do a lot of drugs too)

I don't buy the 'coping with pressure' line. (pardon the pun)

Answer 1

Excellent Question! I am sure there must be stress / peer pressure / cool factor / coping factor of having to face large crowds / inspirational factor / stupidity / weak character / unresolved emotional issues / experimentation and all the rest of "them nicety excuses" involved in the process - possible motives which in one form or another are present in everyone's life. Be that as it may, I have always had a slightly different angle on the issue. I think on a very core level, MUSIC itself is a drug (i.e. is an addictive substance). Please do NOT get me wrong, I ADORE music; nonetheless, I am convinced that the same incredible musical notes and compositions [okay Polka NOT included lol] that can evoke so much neurochemical joy in our brains also have "the potential" to make us addicted to those heightened states of consciousness. In other words, I think there is a real biochemical / organic explanation involved, as well. It is one thing to enjoy / appreciate music on a regular basis; it is a whole different ballgame to live a life of a musician (successful, frustrated, or otherwise). Professional musicians truly LIVE music, it is not just their natural talent, or personal pleasure that's at stake, it's also the success or failure of their very careers. Maintaining musical creativity and experimenting with that magical mix of vibrations and silent intervals of an incredible composition /piece of music, over an extended number of years is no easy task. The mind becomes addicted to the biochemical state of ecstasy that the music brings about in the brain, and would require more and more of it every time. Of course no one can naturally sustain such a neurochemically overpowering state of creativity forever, hence the strong temptation to recreate / maintain those addictive states of heightened consciousness / creativity using powerful drugs that can artificially "mimic" the intensity of those addictive experiences - though usually without the authentic creativity part and at an eventually HUGE cost/risk to the addict/musician.

Answer 2

I've found that most musicians like to feel things...all ranges of emotions.....and intensely. We tend to be adrenaline junkies although I don't want to lump us all into the same category.

I am not a drug addict....but I can see the appeal... feeling high is feeling intensely.

I know musicians who proclaim their best work to have been composed under the influence of mind altering drugs. Some of them are right....while others just *think* they came up with something cool! : )

My personality...is an addictive one (ummm. Y!A) ...I like to feel a loss or a need so I can *fill* it with something and feel the satisfaction of the *filling*. Many musicians I know experience this the same. I LOVE performing....such a rush to be on stage....what a downer afterwards...at time I experienced the down for 48 hours after performing....just *jonsing* for the next performance....the adrenaline high.

Is there something biologically linked? Good question and I'm not sure anyone has ever studied that.

Answer 3

Many musicians don't set out to become drug addicts. They start taking drugs to cope with the pressure, stress, boredom, loneliness, too much adulation, and more money than they know what to do with. Another problem they encounter is people who are literally throwing drugs at them. At one time, it used to be considered quite an honor for a fan to be able to supply a favorite performer with drugs.

Answer 4

Because they think its "cool", and havent got more brains than the skills they possess.

Which is down to following peer pressure, the same as when you are at school.

Answer 5

Stress, peer pressure, loneliness . . . also it is there lifestyle and it is accepted in Hollywood which is wrong but that's just how it is.

Answer 6

I think it's because most of them are emotionally weak

Answer 7

too much stress