Portnoy's Alcoholism

[oh8wrx]

Since leaving the band who has been through his alcoholism and supported his decision to remain sober, do you think Portnoy will continue to remain sober? Or, since he has joined a new band with younger musicians and a more alcohol-induced scene, do you think he'll fall off the wagon? Do you think the band members will pressure him?

[pmahoney1337]

No way they will pressure him. First of all Portnoy's much older than them, and I don't see MP falling into their pressure even if they do, he's smart and has a family that he loves. Also, if A7X cares enough for MP, they will realize what he has been through with alcohol and respect his decision to stay away from it. I couldn't see MP bringing alcohol back into his life just to make them happy.

[rumborak]

You know, I had been wondering the other day whether his "new lifestyle" in A7X hadn't already brought that in. I mean, let's be honest, drinking alcohol is a strictly social activity, and if you're hanging out with those guys (and they're apparently somewhat known for their partying), you will continuously feel like the odd-one out.
I also heard the other day that AA programs are nowhere near as successful as they proclaim they are. Apparently only a small percentage of people stay completely sober over a prolonged amount of time.

rumborak

[wkiml]

You know, I had been wondering the other day whether his "new lifestyle" in A7X hadn't already brought that in. I mean, let's be honest, drinking alcohol is a strictly social activity, and if you're hanging out with those guys (and they're apparently somewhat known for their partying), you will continuously feel like the odd-one out.
I also heard the other day that AA programs are nowhere near as successful as they proclaim they are. Apparently only a small percentage of people stay completely sober over a prolonged amount of time.

rumborak

Rumby you are absolutely correct about AA  as a member myself. only about 1 out of 10 actually learn to remain sober for the rest of their lives. Any type of recovery whether it be drugs or alcohol is about relapse, but hopefully the educated addict has learned enough to get the help they need when they do relapse.

[Rich Wilson]

Can't see it being a renewed problem myself. I hear that MP has his own tour bus with AX7 - probably to stay away from any beer parties (!). The only thing he is addicted to at the moment is keeping fit!

[Mebert78]

I actually think it's careless and irresponsible for MP to put himself in a position where he could potentially relapse.  I mean, the former AX7 drummer died of a overdose.  If anything, you should stay away from this band as a former addict yourself.  Playing the drums in the studio for them is one thing, but then agreeing to tour with them was a poor decision on MP's part, in my opinion.

[Adami]

I actually think it's careless and irresponsible for MP to put himself in a position where he could potentially relapse.  I mean, the former AX7 drummer died of a overdose.  If anything, you should stay away from this band as a former addict yourself.  Playing the drums in the studio for them is one thing, but then agreeing to tour with them was a poor decision on MP's part, in my opinion.

As long as he can stay sober, he's fine. He has to have enough insight to know what he can and cannot handle, and seems to be able to handle this just fine.

[Weymolith]

Mike is 110% committed to his sobriety.

[oh8wrx]

Everyone brings up really interesting points.  I, too, wonder if he is that 1 in 10 who will be able to remain sober.  However, seeing the extreme of it probably has opened his eyes and IF he were to partake in any alcohol, I'm sure he will now be able to moderate it...hopefully.  I think being with DT allowed him to remain sober because these guys were/are his very good friends and have been on the road to recovery with him. 

Do you think maybe he will influence A7X and they will tone down the partying? Or will he be the outsider and only be around for the music and not have a bond with them as he has with DT?

[JayOctavarium]

If he were to relapse, I would lose all respect for him

[sneakyblueberry]

If he were to relapse, I would lose all respect for him

That's a silly thing to say.

[ReaPsTA]

I actually think it's careless and irresponsible for MP to put himself in a position where he could potentially relapse.  I mean, the former AX7 drummer died of a overdose.  If anything, you should stay away from this band as a former addict yourself.  Playing the drums in the studio for them is one thing, but then agreeing to tour with them was a poor decision on MP's part, in my opinion.

What?  I think he toured with AX7 for bigger reasons than amusing himself.  You're saying he should assume he has no strength of character and stay away from anything that would be personally meaningful?

However, seeing the extreme of it probably has opened his eyes and IF he were to partake in any alcohol, I'm sure he will now be able to moderate it...hopefully.

Not how alcoholism works.  You're an addict for life and have to stay away.

If he were to relapse, I would lose all respect for him

Because staying sober is obviously something very easy that doesn't require any personal struggle.  Nor does it require a will power that is almost superhuman.  If he relapsed, obviously it would be because he decided he didn't care about sobriety anymore and not because the weight of various personal stresses in his life caused him to cave.

Mike is 110% committed to his sobriety.

That's the impression I get.  I can't imagine him starting to drink again because he decided he was cured and didn't care about being sober again.  He seems to have a real understanding of why he needs to stay away from drinking and drugs.

[JayOctavarium]

(quote fail)


How is that a silly thing to say? Portnoy has been one of my biggest role models over the past few years.

[Adami]

(quote fail)


How is that a silly thing to say? Portnoy has been one of my biggest role models over the past few years.

The dude isn't perfect. He has proven this many many many times.

[oh8wrx]

A family friend was an alcoholic and after many years of sobriety, he now is able to have a glass or two of wine and not over do it, so it is possible.  It's all in the mind and how much it's worth it I think.  And the family friend is in his 60's.  Maybe it depends on the person? Dunno?

[JayOctavarium]

all i can say is

shit happens

[SystematicThought]

I don't see it happening, but I really wouldn't be surprised if he did. Temptation can get the best of you, and MP has a pretty good record of giving into temptation. No offense intended at all, but it just wouldn't surprise me. I don't care if he's committed 110% to sobriety, we aren't invincible to temptation.

However, with his family growing up and the strong family he has going, I don't think he'll relapse anytime soon

[Gorille85]

That won't happen. If anything, the death of the rev is like a big warning to the A7X guys. And they have some repect for Mike, I don't see them rush him to drink with them or anything.

[Martinman300]

Mike is 110% committed to his sobriety.

Not really possible.

[TheOutlawXanadu]

A family friend was an alcoholic and after many years of sobriety, he now is able to have a glass or two of wine and not over do it, so it is possible.  It's all in the mind and how much it's worth it I think.  And the family friend is in his 60's.  Maybe it depends on the person? Dunno?

I feel like that is such a rare case though. If Portnoy touched the bottle again, I think there's an overwhelming chance he wouldn't be able to moderate it.

As for the question of whether or not he will relapse...

I don't know. But if I had an alcoholic in my family and he was around alcohol every night, I would be worried.

[rumborak]

Mike is 110% committed to his sobriety.

Just like Mike would never leave Dream Theater.

rumborak

[LieLowTheWantedMan]

Mike is 110% committed to his sobriety.

I understand why this would be said, but no matter how committed one is there is always the danger of relapsing.

[JayOctavarium]

Mike is 110% committed to his sobriety.

Just like Mike would never leave Dream Theater.

rumborak

[kartmaze2]

I would say that the A7X-guys have some responsibility too. They are surely aware of his former problems, and for them to behave carelessly around Mike (e.g. by ask him to party with them when there's alcohol and/or drugs involved) would be utterly stupid and douchy, IMO.

[lucky7]

No wonder Mike has stopped reading the forums.  

I understand messageboards are for discussion, but this is a really personal battle he will live with for the rest of his life, not saying this would send him over the edge but this intense scrutiny on his every move does nothing to help matters.

Judging by some of the posts, whenever he is mentioned there will always be the negative comments just because Mike left DT, I hope he does come back sooner than later, but in my opinion topics such as this should never have been started, it may not be Mike bashing but why even talk about it.

Not having a go at anyone, as I know if you didn't care you wouldn't post, but I do think MP will return and as deluded as that may be at the current time, it just may happen.

[rumborak]

but in my opinion topics such as this should never have been started, it may not be Mike bashing but why even talk about it.

It's a discussion forum. We discuss things. Just like you discuss your friend's divorce over a beer in the pub.

And yes, he shouldn't read the forums. Never should have, in fact. Would have saved him a lot of fall-outs with people online.

rumborak

[KevShmev]

If he were to relapse, I would lose all respect for him

Why?  It is an addiction.  Many people have a very difficult time ever really overcoming it completely.  And really, you never really overcome it.  It is a battle till the day you die. 

Mike is 110% committed to his sobriety.

Just like Mike would never leave Dream Theater.

OH SNAP!

And really, I have no doubt that he is committed to it, but a recovering addict can want to fight it with every ounce of their being and still struggle to do so at times. 

[hefdaddy42]

Mike is 110% committed to his sobriety.

That's what I expected.

[Perpetual Change]

Mike is 110% committed to his sobriety.

Just like Mike would never leave Dream Theater.

OH SNAP!

And really, I have no doubt that he is committed to it, but a recovering addict can want to fight it with every ounce of their being and still struggle to do so at times.  

This. While I'm sure Mike is committed, it's silly to think that him simply saying so (or a friend saying so, or a family member saying so, or, in this case, an employee saying so) means that he won't relapse. While I do think it's strange that fans are obsessing over his sobriety, the topic does raise a good point. Most people relapse from rehab not because they aren't "committed" but because they think they're ready to go back into a certain environment or enjoy a few drinks again when they're really not.

[bosk1]

...but in my opinion topics such as this should never have been started, it may not be Mike bashing but why even talk about it.

Obviously, it is a sensitive topic, and one that some may deem inappropriate.  I thought about closing the thread for that reason.  But Mike has himself been very open and public about his condition, so I see no need to close a thread on the subject provided it stays respectful.

[Perpetual Change]

...but in my opinion topics such as this should never have been started, it may not be Mike bashing but why even talk about it.

Obviously, it is a sensitive topic, and one that some may deem inappropriate.  I thought about closing the thread for that reason.  But Mike has himself been very open and public about his condition, so I see no need to close a thread on the subject provided it stays respectful.

I for one am curious about how Mike's handled his time on the road with A7X. Anyone who's watched All Excess knows what those guys are like and it'd be interesting to see how things work behind the scenes now, not because I have some sick obsession with Mike Portnoy but just because I'm just getting into A7X and am interested in how the overall band dynamic works. It IS something I'd like to see Mike comment on eventually.

[Lowdz]

I would be lying if I said when the DT split happened it didn't cross my mind as a possibility but I don't think we have any cause to doubt that he's still sober. i've not seen any horror stories to suggest otherwise.
If he gets through touring with A7X and manages the breakup of "his" band and stays sober, fair play to the man
If I believed in God my prayers would be with him.

[wkiml]

.  However, seeing the extreme of it probably has opened his eyes and IF he were to partake in any alcohol, I'm sure he will now be able to moderate it...hopefully.  

but this isn't how alcoholism or any addiction works ( for the most part) Alcoholism causes an imbalance in the brain chemistry, by having even one drink the alcoholic is putting not only his sobriety, but his life in jeopardy ( actually the fact that he had one drink technically makes him a non sober person) . With alcohol, whether you have been sober 3 months or 30 years , you can never have another drink, because what happens to the brain is it goes right back to as if you were drinking.

I know because I speak from experience I had one year of sobriety, made the mistake of having a near beer (Non-alcoholic) and ended up back in a rehab within 2 weeks . I have since been sober 7 months and its not easy, being around family functions and holiday parties, where alcohol is served, but I have gained enough knowledge to know that I can never pick up another drink for the rest of my life ( shit I can't even take over the counter cold medicines because a majority contain some form of alcohol)

Rich mentioned Mike has his own bus, which I am sure Mike has to avoid the parties/alcohol that are around.   People/places and things are the cornerstone of an alcoholics sobriety  avoid them and he should be fine

[emindead]

When I read most of the comments on this page I somehow notice that if Mike ever read this thread he will know for certain that his biggest demon is not himself but the guys with their baseless remarks. Every alcoholic is different. Some make it, some don't. Portnoy is a guy who quit alcohol and tobacco and hasn't (true, as far as I'm aware of -and I mean only the tobacco-) touched it since he made that promise to his grandma.

I haven't been scared of him touching a drink since he joined A7X. He doesn't portray that image to me, at least if you focus on the MP post Awake (or was it during FII?). And you are forgetting that health-wise he is looking better than ever. If I could only imagine what he needs to worry for now -beside his family- it's his technique. The next step for him is to focus on practicing and improving; he overcome his alcoholic issues long ago.

[Perpetual Change]

When I read most of the comments on this page I somehow notice that if Mike ever read this thread he will know for certain that his biggest demon is not himself but the guys with their baseless remarks.

That is absolutely the last thing Mike ever needs to hear, though I'm sure people at MP.com say it all the time