Welcome to the 'Recovering Musicians' group. This group was formed in March 2004 for musicians, singers and other band members recovering from alcohol and drug addictions. There are estimates that almost one in three individuals will experience a substance abuse problem in their lifetimes and many have great strengths in the arts. There are few resources to support those strengths during recovery. A Musicians' difficulties are often compounded by exposure to workplaces that involve alcohol and/or drugs, isolation or low income. Their creativity has helped them to survive. The systems set up to serve them may not be supportive of their creativity, and tends to view them in terms of a generic addiction model of recovery.

Many musicians feel they have to quit performing because of anxiety they experience when performing sober or the frustration they feel in trying to make it through a gig in a nightclub without picking up a drink. Although some may need or want to take time away from playing out in venues that revolve around alcohol or drugs, others may feel they need to continue to work to support themselves and their families and would benefit from a support network that recognizes this. AA and NA can be great resources for meeting others who are recovering from addiction and may also give us a safe place to go and be with people who are like-minded. I am hoping that by creating this network of musicians, resources, information and entertainment that any musician who wants recovery can get it and keep it without giving up their music!