Where Have I Been All This Time?

[Pete Academy]

If anyone's remotely interested, it can be explained in one word - ALCOHOL.
I've lost my relationship, my house, my band Nearly Dan, which has been going from strength to strength, a band which I conceived and named.
I grew up playing in the 70s era. Drink and drugs were the order of the day. From about 16, I eschewed all drugs but drank constantly. My doctor has been on to me for years to take a detox, but I thought I could do it myself. It doesn't
work, as one or two pints is never enough. I began to augment my six cans of super strength lager with small bottles of vodka. One day I got caught at work. The manager, also my friend, had no choice but to dismiss me.
That was it. I went straight to my GP and he booked me into a hospital. I lost my mobility. Nurses had to support me as I couldn't walk. A gym instructor had to teach me to walk again. I
slipped over six times and had daily injections up my arse cheeks. But we all had four good meals a day and as well as my yellow face and eye colour my blood sugar and blood pressure returned back to normal.
All the doctors said if I had another alcoholic drink, it might kill them. I've gotten used to fruit squash and seen that a lot of players that don't drink on gigs.

My advice is: Don't worry about not drinking and save your life instead.

My stay in the hospital lasted for three weeks - and it goes quickly.

Feel free to ask me any questions.

Edited October 28, 2015 by Pete Academy

[alyctes]

I'm glad you've survived it and have a way forward. Good luck!

[lurksalot]

Best wishes Pete , I hope it all gets better for you and welcome back

[Dad3353]

A chilling warning; thanks for sharing. Keep well, old chum; welcome back.

[Number6]

I assisted one of my good mates at work to get help. He was in the very same boat as you. At the time he called me all the b'stards under the sun but now he has overcome the problem he thanks me for lots of things he could have lost.

Well done to you.....day by day and keep the faith 👍

[Bassman Sam]

Welcome back Pete, glad to hear you're on the mend. Keep it up mate.

[gary mac]

So glad you've got through it Pete and thanks for sharing, that can't have been easy.

Wish you well in your recovery.

[TommyK]

Good man. Brave post.
Welcome back and best of luck with your new lifestyle

[xgsjx]

That doesn't sound like fun. Good that you've gotten through it & you sound like you're ready to build your life back.

[ColinB]

Glad you're back with us.

[Phil Adams]

You have my undiluted admiration.
A brave and good man.

[Telebass]

Bravo Pete, big steps taken. Plenty of support on here for you.

[FuNkShUi]

Good on you for getting it sorted!
I kind of have a question regarding a friend.
No, this isn't one of those "friend" situations, but i don't want to derail the thread from your achievements. Could i PM you?

[sarah thomas]

A brave and humbling story. Well done you.

[tauzero]

[quote name='Pete Academy' timestamp='1445990790' post='2896057']
All the doctors said if I had another alcoholic drink, it might kill them. I've gotten used to fruit squash and seen that a lot of players that don't drink on gigs.

My advice is: Don't worry about not drinking and save your life instead.
[/quote]

Glad to see you back - i was only thinking a day or two ago that I hadn't seen you posting for a while.

Please keep that advice in mind - one friend of mine didn't and had his final, fatal heart attack a couple of years ago.

[ezbass]

DUDE! Sorry to hear of your troubles Pete, addictions take a heavy toll I'm glad that you're well on the way to turning it round and admitting to your problem/troubles in such a public way is certainly a big step it getting back on track; kudos. Positive vibes from Ez Towers.

[franzbassist]

Well done Pete. Stay strong and healthy.

[Bilbo]

It sneaks up on you, doesn't it? Good to see you going in the right direction again.

[BassBus]

That takes a lot of courage to admit to problems like that. But what power you have in you, Pete, to do so. Keep up the good work and best of luck for the future.

[JTUK]

Jeez Pete, That sounds one ugly time.
Obviously knew you were having problems with the band..as you took a 'break' from it...but can understand it all now.

I also kind of get that some people pursue a destructive course (my words) and it is very very hard to break that.

A friend of mine is there atm.

Glad you are back... and hope you are looking onwards.

All the best

[obbm]

Very pleased that you have got yourself on track and that you are back here. We missed you.

[Roland Rock]

Well done for getting through it, and glad you're on the up!

[KevB]

Only met you briefly once at a gig Pete but you struck me as a man with a big heart and I'm sure you can beat this. Onwards and upwards!

[Coilte]

Glad that you are back.

[TheGreek]

As somebody who has worked in the Drug & Alcohol field for nearly 20 years I recognise how difficult it must have been to announce this to one and all. I commend your bravery and honesty.

This is the beginning of a new journey - an ongoing and difficult one with no guarantee of success. The message in my signature is pertinent to those in your situation. I suggest you get in contact with your local D&A service and get some support.

Good luck..