I heard Bill Murray mention once when he was asked about being rich and famous, and he replied something like, "try the rich part first and see if that doesn't take care of most of it for you."
I can't imagine being "in the public eye" and dealing with an addiction--too much judgment. I often think many like Keith Moon would still be alive if they didn't feel they had an "image" to keep up by partying themselves to death (did I just make a judgment there?).
I saw Warren Zevon perform live once, just him on piano and guitar. I was close enough to the stage to read his watch and even shook his hand at the end (oooo....touch me!). Anywho, he was great--and sober. He never made it to "A" status, but I don't think that type of thing bothered him. He seemed just to enjoy playing music. We all just have to find what we enjoy, I guess.
Here are some of his lyrics from "Detox Mansion" that help me smile when an "urge" hits:
"Well, I'm gone to Detox Mansion
Way down on Last Breath Farm
I've been rakin' leaves with Liza
Me and Liz clean up the yard
Left my home in Music City
In the back of a limousine
Now I'm doin' my own laundry
And I'm getting those clothes clean
Growin' fond of Detox Mansion
And this quiet life I lead
But I'm dying to tell my story
For all my friends to read
Well, it's tough to be somebody
And it's hard not to fall apart
Up here on Rehab Mountain
We gonna learn these things by heart
Well, I'm gone to Detox Mansion
Way down on Last Breath Farm
I've been rakin' leaves with Liza
Me and Liz clean up the yard
What goes on in Detox Mansion
Outside the rubber room
We get therapy and lectures
We play golf in the afternoon
Well, it's tough to be somebody
And it's hard not to fall apart
Up here on Rehab Mountain
We gonna learn these things by heart."