Sad. I was really happy for him when he seemed to have set aside his demons and enjoyed the success of Velvet Revolver. I remember thinking when his alcohol and cocaine abuse resurfaced contributing to Velvet Revolver disbanding that this would be the inevitable end. A tortured soul.
My wife's brother has been battling addiction for the 21 years I've known him. Battling may be the wrong word, fully succumbed may be more appropriate. He will look in my eyes and say he doesn't want help which means there's not a damn thing any of us can do about it but wait and watch the decline. Despite the strain on family relationships caused by some of his 'episodes', many are naively still waiting for him to hit bottom thinking that he will then accept the help others are still willing to provide. His father and I, both still firmly in the 'here to help' camp, see it a bit differently.
He has hit bottom and reconciled himself to existing there until his days are over. He used to discuss his addiction with a certain energy in his eyes and an indestructible attitude. He's added 10 years to his appearance in the last two. Gone is the vigor. Now he repeats the 'not going to quit because I enjoy it' mantra with a melancholy acceptance typical in those diagnosed with a terminal illness. He still works hard, but has nothing to show for it. He lives with no thought for the morrow. He used to keep a vegetable garden that was the envy of the community, but hasn't planted in two years. He used to enjoy playing chess when I came to town (usually about twice a year). I got in the habit of travelling with an inexpensive set that I would leave behind, which was never there on the next trip. I've taken the same board for two years now, not having played a game in that time. When we part after each visit, he laments that we didn't play and always says 'next time'. I fear that we've played our last game.
For every Weiland and Winehouse there are millions more that struggle along with their family and friends. I will miss Weiland's music and am glad he was able to share his talent with those of us who enjoyed it. Based on my personal experience I have profound empathy for his family and friends assuming that they too have been helplessly waiting with the constant desire to provide loving help. In addition to Scott resting in peace, I hope that his family and friends too find peace despite the loss.
My wife's brother has been battling addiction for the 21 years I've known him. Battling may be the wrong word, fully succumbed may be more appropriate. He will look in my eyes and say he doesn't want help which means there's not a damn thing any of us can do about it but wait and watch the decline. Despite the strain on family relationships caused by some of his 'episodes', many are naively still waiting for him to hit bottom thinking that he will then accept the help others are still willing to provide. His father and I, both still firmly in the 'here to help' camp, see it a bit differently.
He has hit bottom and reconciled himself to existing there until his days are over. He used to discuss his addiction with a certain energy in his eyes and an indestructible attitude. He's added 10 years to his appearance in the last two. Gone is the vigor. Now he repeats the 'not going to quit because I enjoy it' mantra with a melancholy acceptance typical in those diagnosed with a terminal illness. He still works hard, but has nothing to show for it. He lives with no thought for the morrow. He used to keep a vegetable garden that was the envy of the community, but hasn't planted in two years. He used to enjoy playing chess when I came to town (usually about twice a year). I got in the habit of travelling with an inexpensive set that I would leave behind, which was never there on the next trip. I've taken the same board for two years now, not having played a game in that time. When we part after each visit, he laments that we didn't play and always says 'next time'. I fear that we've played our last game.
For every Weiland and Winehouse there are millions more that struggle along with their family and friends. I will miss Weiland's music and am glad he was able to share his talent with those of us who enjoyed it. Based on my personal experience I have profound empathy for his family and friends assuming that they too have been helplessly waiting with the constant desire to provide loving help. In addition to Scott resting in peace, I hope that his family and friends too find peace despite the loss.
