The music world is rife with addiction. Some musicians seek help in alcohol rehab centers, but others suffer until a crisis forces them to act. Last summer, country music star Tim McGraw met with Oprah Winfrey to discuss his struggles with alcohol abuse. Mcgraw’s fans in Santa Barbara and elsewhere can learn a great deal from his conversation. He offered insights to his own personality, as well as the nature of alcohol addiction.
‘Liquid Courage’
McGraw’s successful career in entertainment suggests that he’s a reasonably confident person. However, he describes himself as naturally reclusive. Performances in Santa Barbara made him nervous.
"I used to have to have a few drinks to get on stage, because I'm sort of an innately shy person," McGraw said. "To step out on stage and to sing and be in front of people was nerve-wracking for me in a lot of ways. That was the way I got my courage -- some liquid courage, with a little Jack Daniels."
What began as a crutch to deal with pre-show jitters eventually became a monster that threatened to destroy everything McGraw loved. As it became harder for him to function, he realized that others with problems like his were enrolling in rehab centers. He knew it was time for a change.
A New Beginning
"It got to the point where I knew that I drank too much,” McGraw said. "I knew that it was affecting my personal relationships, it was affecting my professional relationships, it was affecting my family…. It [was] time to stop. And I stopped."
McGraw had his last drink in 2008 and has been sober ever since. His recovery is an example for those in places like Santa Barbara who struggle with alcohol addiction. Many alcoholics need the extra support of rehab centers, but Mcgraw’s life is a reminder that there is always hope. Success and happiness await those who overcome their addictions.
Tanner Wadsworth is a health writer reporter for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Miramar Recovery Center. Follow on Twitter
‘Liquid Courage’
McGraw’s successful career in entertainment suggests that he’s a reasonably confident person. However, he describes himself as naturally reclusive. Performances in Santa Barbara made him nervous.
"I used to have to have a few drinks to get on stage, because I'm sort of an innately shy person," McGraw said. "To step out on stage and to sing and be in front of people was nerve-wracking for me in a lot of ways. That was the way I got my courage -- some liquid courage, with a little Jack Daniels."
What began as a crutch to deal with pre-show jitters eventually became a monster that threatened to destroy everything McGraw loved. As it became harder for him to function, he realized that others with problems like his were enrolling in rehab centers. He knew it was time for a change.
A New Beginning
"It got to the point where I knew that I drank too much,” McGraw said. "I knew that it was affecting my personal relationships, it was affecting my professional relationships, it was affecting my family…. It [was] time to stop. And I stopped."
McGraw had his last drink in 2008 and has been sober ever since. His recovery is an example for those in places like Santa Barbara who struggle with alcohol addiction. Many alcoholics need the extra support of rehab centers, but Mcgraw’s life is a reminder that there is always hope. Success and happiness await those who overcome their addictions.
Tanner Wadsworth is a health writer reporter for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Miramar Recovery Center. Follow on Twitter