Rolling Stones Guitarist and Wild Man of Rock-and-Roll, Given Up Alcohol

Rock n Roll and alcohol have a long history! Bands are notorious for excessive drinking and drugging, almost like consumption is part of their job description. Sadly, over the years since the birth of rock n roll alcohol has directly and indirectly taken the life of some of the most talented musicians. Rock legends such as: John Bonham of the band Led Zeppelin died as a result of asphyxiation, Jimi Hendrix died of respiratory arrest caused by alcohol and Barbiturates, and Keith Moon of the Who had an accidental overdose on anti-seizure medication prescribed for alcoholism. The list of drug related overdoses associated with rock n roll is pretty long; many addicts never experience the adverse effects of alcohol because drug overdoses claim their life first.

Unfortunately, when the music stops the addiction will linger around. Rock n Roll Stars in their 60's are still battling alcoholism and drug addiction. It has been reported by the Telegraph that, "Keith Richards, the Rolling Stones guitarist and wild man of rock-and-roll, has given up alcohol, it has been reported". Alcohol is finally catching up to Keith, who received orders from his physician to stop drinking and Richards has not touched alcohol in four months. Richards has witnessed the effect that alcohol has had on friend and former band mate Ronnie Wood's life. Richards claims that he has out lived many of the doctors who have advised him to stop drinking over the years. However, Keith Richards' behavior had an adverse effect on his life four years ago after falling out of a tree in Fiji while drunk, suffering a brain hemorrhage.

There are not any reports that Richards entered treatment or is working any kind of 12 step program. Hopefully, he will find that life is worth so much more while sober and that recovery is one gift after another. Without any doubt, Richards, has lost many close friends to the disease of alcoholism and doesn't want the same for himself. "He has watched Ronnie fall well and truly off the wagon last year and he doesn't like what he sees. Plus he has started to feel for the first time like it might do him some good to give up the booze for a while".

Utah Man Pleads Up Felony

When being sentenced in court most people are trying to get less time. Nobody ever wants to serve longer than they have to, why would they? A man from Utah who was charged with possession of heroin with intent to distribute is doing just that. Damon Conrow was sentenced Tuesday on a charge of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance after asking to "plead up" to a first-degree felony. The charge had been a second-degree felony, but Conrow wanted a longer sentence. Conrow believes that the more time he spends off the street, the better his chance at recovery is. The 25-year-old pleaded guilty in December to the charges, but, on Tuesday, 2nd District Judge Pamela Heffernan made a last ditch effort to allow Conrow one last chance to change his mind and withdrawing his plea - Conrow declined.

Conrow said to the AP that, "he'll soon be happier than he is now because he'll get off heroin. He said within about eight weeks of going to jail, he expects withdrawal symptoms to ease so he can start having normal sleeping patterns". Who knows maybe Conrow's decision will save his life, allowing him an opportunity to focus on recovery. The gift of twelve-step programs is that they can be found even behind iron bars and prison guards. The best place for Conrow is in a safe environment where he can focus on himself. Hopefully, Conrow will be able to find what so many other addicts and alcoholics find - peace of mind.

Conrow believes he needs more time in jail in order to lower the chance of relapse, why would the Judge stop him? However, it is a little surprising that the Judge didn't sentence him to a drug treatment facility? Treatment is the wiser choice for someone in the grips of their addiction. It will be interesting to see if Conrow's plan is a success.