[TPIN] alcohol on gigs

[Alan Koenigsberg]

    I agree with all of the previous info regarding helping a fellow 
musician with an alcohol problem.  I'm in Pensacola Florida as I write 
this email at the Association of Concert Bands national convention, and 
tomorrow morning I do a talk on Stage Fright, which will discuss the 
common practice of using alcohol to take care of the anxiety, and the 
complications that causes.  A timely question!

    Your friends may indeed have a high level of anxiety, and are self 
medicating.  In addition to Al-Anon, I would also call the local medical 
school and ask for the name of a Psychiatrist who works regularly with 
alcohol abuse.  Get his or her name and phone number,  and when the time 
is right, inform your friend that he or she needs to go for a 
consultation.  You would very much like them to remain with the band, 
but that won't be possible soon if they don't get immediate help.
   
    Several treatments are available that are very effective for alcohol 
abuse, including a few specific medications.  Many people are 
mistrustful of medications and Psychiatrists, and that tends to be the 
most difficult obstacle.  Once that's acknowledged and dealt with, they 
tend to do quite well with the proper support.

    The bottom line is that you want your friend to be healthy and 
continue to make music with you.  Remember to emphasize that!

    Good luck!

    Alan Koenigsberg
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