30 Days No Electronics

Here’s What Happened To Me

My morning view — courtesy of Ashley Treatment Center

I knew I was in trouble when COVID-19 and the ensuing lockdown took effect in 2020.

Before it all went down, I felt confident in my sobriety and was looking forward to a full calendar of spring and summer gigs.

Then it happened.

At the time, I relied on playing music for roughly 50% of my income. I like to keep a few different irons in the fire at all times, but music has always been the bedrock of my life — and my finances.

It was the one steady source of income, creativity, and joy I could always rely on.

Then it was gone.

Every club, venue, and event was shut down until further notice, and I had a sinking feeling this would cost me a lot more than money.

I white-knuckled it for a few weeks, but the isolation, lack of playing music, and evaporation of my steady income were too much. I did what the rest of the world did during lockdown. I got drunk.

Unfortunately, I’m not like the average drinker. In fact, I’m not even like the average…