Even though there has been some unexpected drama on this thread, I still think this is an interesting discussion about very talented young people that have been taken away from the world much too soon, for whatever reason. Many of the most talented people on earth are fighting the biggest demons, and having that extreme amount of hurt in them helps them to create the most touching pieces of music, art, or what have you.

Amy Winehouse may not have been as big as Jimi Hendrix, Michael Jackson (he OD'd too, just at the hands of his doctor, allegedly), Curt Cobain, but she has a loyal following bc her lyrics spoke to many people who could relate. People that felt that same hurt in bad relationships, abusing yourself, bad choices, disappointment. People that are not perfect. I am one of them.

Just my two cents worth.... In some ways I admire your conviction jmdt. But, I do think it is way more complicated than what you have stated.

IMHO dealing with a loved one with a drug or alcohol addiction is very difficult, to say the least. You love the person, but hate the addiction. Personally, my DH and I spent time in counseling learning how not to be an enabler or codependent or whatever you want to call it. I still stuggle with this.


However, I do have friends that have the same kind of opinion as yours. And what I have always told them is that I admire that they will never have to stuggle with being an enabler and sounds like you will never have to do this either.

:thumbup::thumbup: You and I have the same taste in music. Also love blues.

I'm torn on this subject. Yes, addiction changes the brain and is a disease. However, the decision to first take the drug is a choice. The same thing can be said for anyone who smokes and gets lung cancer, eats poorly and doesn't exercise then develops heart disease or type 2 diabetes and so on.

We live in a society that glamorizes drugs and alcohol. Just take a look at any recent head line on TMZ or ROL as well as any movie and tv show. They show young, rich stars who party hard and seem to have zero consequences until they hit the ultimate one. What's a young person (or anyone for that matter) to think?

Talking to your kids helps. Some. But pure scare tactics don't work, either.

I don't know what the answer is. I'm not sure anyone does. But I don't think anyone should be villianized for their opinions on addiction. After all, it's just that. An opinion. It's based on personal experiences, up bringing and the like.

The one thing we can all agree on is that it's a waste of talent when anyone succumbs and every life has value to someone else.

I am convinced all of us have an addiction of one type or another. Some just cause more harm. I have had experience with a few, personally, and went through it with my best friend, and a few family members. We are all imperfect humans, and sometimes fall victim to addiciton when we are trying to numb pain.

R.I.P. Amy Winehouse, you were loved by many.

I completely agree with those two statements. I was overweight for a long time and I still suffer from emotional eating. That is why I will NEVER put myself above a drug addict. If I cannot put down the piece of cake and deal with my emotions, who am I to judge?

I just saw this on yahoo. The New Now
Amy's "god daughter". She's so pretty, and her debut was an oldie :) Her original work is not for me, too "new" lol, but hope she does well.

woohoo! me too! ;)

Speaking of... (this is sooo O/T) You make costumes, right? Do you think you would be able to pull off a dog costume or not? This is still far off but I have been wanting to dress Jax up as MJ for the past 3 Halloween's now lol... would you be able to make some kind of a MJ-esque dog jacket, and maybe a sequin glove or something? Or is that not really your forte?

LOL. I used to make costumes. I'm too busy now with the new shop to make any more, and plus I don't have a sewing area anymore. I love making costumes, but I just don't have the time.

LoL darn!! I think he'd look so freakin' awesome but I never get a costume done it time, hahah.

Priscilla's more of an artist than a seamstress, she hand sews and she's a perfectionist. She talks about the size and neatness of stitches!! We do have many people here who might be interested in doing what you want, you should post a thread in this forum: Yorkie Products Wanted! - YorkieTalk.com Forums - Yorkshire Terrier Community Or take a look at the vendors list and see who is willing to make “Custom clothing”: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...ore-sites.html

If you're not a perfectionist you might want to check out this website. Tells how to make a sequined glove from a baby’s sock. Michael Jackson Halloween Costume Ideas for Pets - Associated Content from Yahoo! - associatedcontent.com

Aw thanks Nancy! :)

I’ve seen pictures of your work, it’s phenomenal!

This is a GREAT post! There is a choice made, the first choice.... same with someone who smokes and someone who is overweight. Often times we don't (as a society) test a person's strength, we enable them by feeling sorry and pardoning them because they had it tough. I'm not saying this is everyone's situation, but I've seen people just nod with a sick person's reasons and that is enabling them to continue on the path of self-destruction.

My boyfriends sister is extremely obese. She blames it on a car accident that hurt her neck & shoulder and 'non-existent metabolism' (her words). Yet Ive seen other people who lost a leg in an accident and busted their butt (no pun intended) in rehab, made FULL recoveries, stay in shape, etc... I believe we ALL have the strength in us to overcome situations that COULD take you down the wrong path. However I do believe there are mental and physical health ailments that are insurmountable. I never judge a book by it's cover. I don't walk by every overweight person and think or say "Wow, how could they let themselves get that big?" They could have a thyroid disease or something else.

I also have an aunt who is a severe alcoholic and a cousin who is addicted to drugs and alcohol as well. She had a TOUGH life. Her mom is an extremely violent, evil alcoholic and her Dad died when she was 17 (him 37) from cirrhosis of the liver from heavy drinking. My cousin is 30 now and is trying (again) to clean herself up. I will support her and help in any way I can. I feel bad for the life she had, the way she grew up.... who could blame her for turning to drugs for comfort. Another kid I know, her dad was killed and she was born HIV positive and lives in the poorest public housing in the city, She is in college at age 16 and living her life the cleanest and best way she can. She MADE that choice for herself and my cousin made another choice for herself.

I am NOT an enabler, I do not see an excuse good enough in the WORLD for someone to get on drugs, or abuse alcohol or even for a teenager to smoke. There is too much knowledge and education out there of what these things can do to a person. Kids learn through school, tv, parents and peers about how life changing drugs,.alcohol and cigarettes are. Not to mention schools offer counseling and kids are encouraged to go to it.

I do believe that once on it though, it is a disease, it's very sad because it is almost like a bad choice. Why do some end up like that and some don't? My cousin became addicted to drugs because she chose to do them initially, but she grew up very close to my 2 brothers & I who went to the same school, knew the same people, were presented the same opportunities and we chose NOT to do them. Maybe she has a more addictive personality, is not as strong, or was not brought up by the same parents, maybe bc her parents were addicts she was born that way?

This is a very intense and personal discussion and everyone has their take on how they see their own situations. I watched my Aunt in the ICU after she tried to commit suicide by ODing (3x) so I am compassionate enough to cry for her and how far she's sunk... but I'm not one to say "Oh poor dear, you had a tough life, it's ok that you drink another beer." Nor am I one to say "Take the drugs the doctor gave you to help you overcome the drinking addiction..." Breaking addiction is a fight.... fight for it... grow strong, be brave, get the help offered to you, learn in rehab, don't take the easy way out and grow an addiction to something else, and call me... I will talk/come over and be there for you always. But not if you keep bringing yourself down, I can't watch, it breaks my heart in a million pieces.