Profiles Of Addiction Recovery | Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton is an English rock ‘n’ roll singer, songwriter, and guitarist. The famous rock star spent decades partaking in drug abuse and attempting sobriety for his drug and alcohol addiction.

In fact, according to NPR, Clapton was consuming high doses of cocaine during 1977 when he performed the hit song by JJ. Cale titled “Cocaine.”

Throughout his career, Clapton struggled with substance abuse and drug addiction. However, Clapton found recovery with the assistance of professional treatment centers.

Eric Clapton’s History Of Substance Abuse

During his time with the band Cream in 1966, Clapton began participating in drug and alcohol abuse. In the 1970s when Clapton began his solo career, he lived with heroin addiction.

According to Reuters, Clapton spent $16,000 a week on heroin. By 1974, Clapton began drinking heavily, ultimately replacing heroin abuse with alcohol use.

Eric Clapton’s Recovery Efforts

Clapton wrestled with his drug use until he contacted his manager to divulge his alcohol addiction. In 1982, Clapton entered a professional treatment center in Minnesota.

Unfortunately, Clapton relapsed and attended the same drug rehab center for a second time in 1987. A 2017 documentary, Eric Clapton: Life in 12 Bars, featured unseen and unedited footage of Clapton acting erratically during one of his periods of extensive drug use.

In 1998, Clapton sought out ways to help others struggling with substance abuse and mental health struggles. For example, he founded the Crossroads Centre medical rehab facility located on the Caribbean island of Antigua.

About Eric Clapton

Grammy-award winning guitarist Eric Clapton is from Surrey, England. He was born on March 30, 1945. Influenced by Blues music, Clapton became captivated by music at a young age, learning how to play the guitar and performing at local pubs in Surrey.

Later, Clapton joined the Yardbirds in 1963 and became part of the band Cream with Jack Bruce in 1966. During this time, Clapton performed with Pete Townshend, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones.

In 1969, Clapton formed Blind Faith but later joined Derek and the Dominos. During his career, Clapton performed with artists such as George Harrison, Jimi Hendrix, and Pink Floyd.

Clapton later began a solo career, despite issues with substance use. In 1979, he married Pattie Boyd but they later divorced in 1989.

In 1991, Clapton’s four-year-old son Conor fell from a 53rd-floor window of his mother’s apartment in New York City. Due to this tragedy, Clapton began to seek sobriety.

Songs By Clapton

Some of the most popular songs by Clapton include:

• “Wonderful Tonight”
• “Tears In Heaven”
• “Layla”
• “I Shot the Sheriff”
• “Let it Rain”
• “How Long Blues”
• “Lay Down Sally”
• “My Father’s Eyes”
• “Change the World”

For those of you seeking a treatment center for yourself or a loved one, consider Ark Behavioral Health. We offer various treatment programs such as detox and therapies to assist those struggling with drug use.

Contact us today to learn more about our specific treatment plans.