In my 31 years of existence on this mud ball call earth, I have never been drunk in my life. Not once. This is has nothing to do with spiritual views, it has nothing to do with a fear that I would loose control of myself, and it has nothing to do with a “I’m too good to drink” mentality that some have.
Why is it I have never experienced alcohol induced inebriation?
My birth father was, from what I experienced in my 7 years with him (birth to 7 years of age), a classic alcoholic. Obviously I was unaware what the idea/concept of alcoholism was at that age, but I was quite aware of the impact alcohol could have on one’s personality. I saw him drink, I saw how his personality would change, and I drew the connection regardless of my age. I saw what that man became and when he drank and I said “I never want to be like that.”
So, I never was.
Was that an extreme reaction? Maybe. Did that choice, at such a very young age, mean that I’ve missed out on some “experiences” in life. Sure. Am I better off without having such experiences? I like to think so. Only recently did I understand how my choice as a child impacted my entire life. There are a number of people I know that have ruined their lives, who now cannot maintain a normal life (normal being work, family, friends) all because of trouble with drinking.
So, when I see a story about Norman Cook – A.K.A Fatboy Slim – retiring from live performances after his stay in rehab, I cannot help but remember that everyone is subject to the demons of alcohol.
Back in 2002, Slim – real name Norman Cook – told of his heavy drinking, saying in an interview: “I’ve tried going on stage sober and it wasn’t much fun.”
From personal experience, I know exactly what Mr. Cook speaks of. I was a DJ for a number of years. As a matter of fact, the experience Cook speaks of is one major reason why I stopped. Too many people where focusing on the substance use – the drinking, the blow – and not on the music. It was almost as if the entertainers could not enjoy themselves without using something else, so I stopped.
I have very little doubt that the DJ lifestyle has added a level of difficulty in Cook’s battle with alcohol addiction. To see him stop live shows would be great if it means ending his addiction. This news just goes to show that everyone is subject to alcohol addiction. Young. Old. Rich. Poor. Famous… it does not matter. How you react to the disease does.