Whilst I felt unsurprised I was gravely saddened to learn yesterday afternoon that Amy Winehouse had been found dead in her home in Camden.
As I said to Petrie Hoskyn on LBC 97.3FM this afternoon, it was clear that Ms. Winehouse had been struggling for some time, and her bedraggled public appearances and drunken performances in between failed attempts to get clean in rehab had been a testament to that painful struggle.
Whilst a post mortem is pending, and the cause of her death as yet unknown, perhaps there is something more pressing to be acknowledged in the wake of this talented young artist's death - her life wasconsumed, and ultimately destroyed by her addictions.
Described as the wild child of British Pop she has now joined the fateful '27 Club'. Some would say she survive the transition and perhaps the reference to her 'child'like self is indeed apt, becoming a star so young, having failed to complete school, Amy arguably got stuck in a state of psuedo-sophistication. Renown for her opinions, and her willingness to express these, much of her behaviour resembled that of a troubled adolescent, for whom any attention was at least attention which maybe contributed in part to her troublesome lifestyle. Famous for tantrums, and violent outbursts, it strikes me now more clearly than before that Amy was most definitely still caught in the throes of adolescence, yet distanced from the support we need to survive the challenges it presents.
Described as the wild child of British Pop she has now joined the fateful '27 Club'. Some would say she survive the transition and perhaps the reference to her 'child'like self is indeed apt, becoming a star so young, having failed to complete school, Amy arguably got stuck in a state of psuedo-sophistication. Renown for her opinions, and her willingness to express these, much of her behaviour resembled that of a troubled adolescent, for whom any attention was at least attention which maybe contributed in part to her troublesome lifestyle. Famous for tantrums, and violent outbursts, it strikes me now more clearly than before that Amy was most definitely still caught in the throes of adolescence, yet distanced from the support we need to survive the challenges it presents.
Amy Winehouse exemplifies a reality true for many alcoholics and addicts: addiction is a progressive illness that cannot be cured, but can be arrested and recovery is then possible. Sadly, her time in treatment was often short, and the distractions many.
Recovery from addiction is a often conceptualised as a daily reprieve requiring continued commitment and vigilance. As a bio-psycho-spiritual malady, support in each of these domains is a prerequisite for sustained recovery.
Another truth that Ms. Winehouse's story highlights very clearly, is the relationship between substance abuse and mental health. The singer songwriter referred to her depression in her music, and her body was a homage to her other self injurious behaviours, including cutting and a problematic relationship with food. Her pain and vulnerability were self evident in her lyrics, and her performances.
Addiction is correctly termed as a family illness, and affects networks of people beyond the person who is themselves addicted. On air earlier I was asked what families and friends of those battling with addictions can, and should do. There's no simple or straightforward answer, but I hold on to my belief that those affected by another's alcoholism or addiction both need and deserve support, independent of their loved one. This is vital, in order that addiction does not destroy those who witness the often darkly tragic show that is played out on the family stage.
By accessing this support, family members are able to detach from the problem, enabling them to help themselves, and better help the addict or alcoholic, who cannot and will not recover until their denial is challenged and colluded with no longer. My thoughts are with the family and friends of Amy Winehouse, and all those who are witnessing someone they love on 'self destruct'.
Al Anon exists to support anyone whose life is, or has been, affected by someone else’s drinking. There are over 800 support groups in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Al-Anon is an anonymous fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience in order to solve their common problems.
www.nacoa.org.uk The National Association for the Children of Alcoholics provides free and confidential advice, information and support to anyone affected by a parent's drinking.
www.famanon.org.ukFamilies Anonymous is a world wide fellowship of relatives and friends of people involved in the abuse of mind-altering substances, or with related behavioural problems.
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