I was never exposed to any drugs as a kid, so I did try a couple and found one that I liked. Although I never purchased any, I did make it a ritual, going to the Limelight every sunday night hanging with my "friends". We'd go out every night.
One of the many mornings, while hanging out an an after hour place, snoring one line of coke after another, I looked around and thought to myself "wow, it's 9am in the morning, what are all these people doing here? What a bunch of losers" Than I realized, I'm there too, I was one of them. I made up my mind right than and there to STOP. I didn't come to America to get "Fucked up" night after night, wasting my life away, cause that's all I did.
All my "friends" didn't care having me around anymore, because I said "no" when offered a line. And I'm glad they pushed me away. They were poison to me. I started to focus on my goals and began working on my music.
I'm not an angel, I enjoy having drinks when I'm out at a club. Yes, I'm in the music business and many consider it to be a cool thing, especially in LA, well, sorry, you ain't that cool in my book and I don't care if that makes me not cool in yours. I get high on music. I get high on life.
I don't judge people. You do whatever you want, as long as it doesn't affect my life and you don't push it on me.
The reason I'm writing this...
One of my best friends is going through some tough times right now because of drug and alcohol addiction. Not everyone can handle their liquor and drugs and do things in moderation. It hurts to see people close to me destroy themselves.
My message goes out to all you kids who think it's cool. Yeh, it sounds so Rock'n Roll but honestly, most people have lost a ton because of it. So next time you are tempted, think about the consequences. Think about how much you have to lose if you "lose control" (your friends, your job/career, your life!!!).
Depression seems to be a huge factor and the doctors love you for it. You keep them in business. Truth is, no drug can cure the real problem that lies deep within yourself. There's a huge difference between partying here and there, having a blast vs doing drugs consistently. It's easy to get hooked on anti-depressants. Just another addiction, a cover up. I encourage people to seek help using a holistic approach and surrounding yourself with people you love and trust and aren't tempting you. There's plenty of support!
SAY NO to DRUGS.
Self-destruction comes from hatred, from disapproval. Love yourself like you would love another person. Treat yourself like you would treat someone you truly love and care about.
Happiness can only be found from within. No one outside yourself can make you happy. You might not be able to find it on your own at first but with the right support of friends and professionals, you can win your life and power back. You can learn to love, accept and respect yourself.
Am I saying be a saint? No, be a rebel, make a difference, provoke, confront and elevate. You can do it without drugs.
What I'm saying is that IF you know you might have a problem OR you know people that do, don't wait until it's too late. Be supportive or seek support. And support sometimes means "tough love". Shutting them out until they are willing to get help.
I know this is a pretty deep subject, please spread the awareness and teach the 21st century kids to just say NO! How about that for POWER! ?
xoxo
JVB
