What do you think about Darvocet pain killers being pulled from the market?

Good-bye Darvocet

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What do you think about Darvocet painkillers being pulled from the U.S. MARKET?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Friday that it is pulling off the U.S. market the prescription painkillers Darvon and Darvocet because of new scientific evidence they can damage the heart, even at recommended doses, or cause fatal cardiac abnormalities.

Crack was my drug of choice. If I had an extra $10.00 in my pocket it was to be spent on crack and crack only. Darvocet however was something I would ingest whenever I found it in someone else’s medicine cabinet.

Yes, people really do scavenge through other people’s medicine cabinets. If you haven’t stored your prescription pills in an alternative place, you should because someone is going to rummage through your medicine cabinet!

I knew there was something wrong with this drug. Once I had taken a handful in someone’s bathroom and the next thing I knew I woke up with my head in a wall. Not because I had taken a handful at once but because something about Darvocet made my heart skip a beat. Literally! Yes my head was actually stuck in someone’s bathroom wall. Trying to explain that was almost next to impossible! The point is it most certainly affected me in the negative way that the FDA now claims that it can.

So my question is: Do you suffer from pain and are being prescribed Darvocet? And if so, do you think you have become addicted to them? What are you going to do now in light of the recent FDA decision? Switch to something else or are you ready to give up pain killers all together?

Got a question for me? Enter your email on the right side of this page.

Super Star

About me: I am Super Star (yes, that is my legal name). I have earned that name – and accomplished what many people would consider impossible – because I chose to stay sober one day at a time. I left the crack houses to mingle with Hollywood’s elite, ending up working with all of my childhood musical heroes, and have now found my purpose in life after surviving an almost 15-year battle with the disease of addiction.

Currently, I am an advocate for kids in recovery from substance abuse (and prevention as well) in Malibu, California, as well as from my home in Chicago, a sober companion to many, director of a non-profit that helps those struggling with recovery, and passionate speaker to kids about the issues of drugs and addiction.

I am also an author and musician. I am currently finishing my work on the book, “The First 30 Days to Serenity: The Essential Guide to Staying Sober,” which can be pre-ordered here. I have also just wrapped up the recording of Serenity, a first-of-its-kind CD created in conjunction with my twin brother Rock Star solely to combat addiction. “Serenity,” was produced by a Grammy-winning producer and features many of our musical heroes, who have come together to help us tell our story in an effort to help others through their own addiction struggles. Guests on our CD include current and former members of bands such as Kiss, Heart, The Goo Goo Dolls, Dokken, Trans-Siberian Orchestra as well as many more. It rocks – musically and inspirationally – and can be found here

Pass this on if you feel it can help someone and feel free to visit us at www.rockstarsuperstarproject.com

Killer in a can gets sentenced

Killer in a can gets crunched... A few weeks ago I wrote a blog about the harmful effects of a drink called Four Loko. A deadly cocktail that many refer to as “Blackout in a can.” I reached out to Phusion Projects for some responsible answers as to why they would release and market such a potent cocktail to our nation’s youth. I of course was blatantly ignored.

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Today the U.S. Food and Drug Administration told the manufacturers of seven caffeinated alcoholic beverages like Phusion Projects that their drinks are a “public health concern” and can’t stay on the market in their current form.

I liked hearing this. In fact, I was up and pinned to the radio awaiting the FDA’s verdict this afternoon. As soon as I heard it I practically jumped up and down with excitement. Yes, I am that guy. I do care about the lives of others.

The move follows a year-long review by the FDA, which gave the companies 15 days to either reformulate their products or face possible seizure under federal law, said Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, the agency’s principal deputy commissioner. Experts have said the caffeine used in the beverages can mask the effects of alcohol, leaving drinkers unaware of how intoxicated they are. For me, lines of cocaine did the same thing. It completely obliterated my sense as to how much alcohol I had consumed. Caffeine, cocaine, same thing in my eyes. Mixing either of them with alcohol; I can’t ever recall not waking up a morning after one of these nights without some crazy consequence to have to deal with.

Phusion Projects has a right to do business and make a fortune but no right to put anyone’s life in jeopardy. I am happy the FDA made this swift move and curious to see what Phusion Projects will do next. They need to do more than take the caffeine, guarana, and taurine out their drinks. They need to step up and use this lesson as one that can serve as a lesson to us all. It would have to come from a much higher level of thought than they might be used to but if done right, it’s a thought that can lead them into a much more powerful position than the one they just were taken from.

Adults and teens will be watching to see if this company can become a responsible one or one that will continue to hurt others for the sake of profit. I know I’ll be watching!

-Super Star

Got a question for me? Enter your email on the right side of this page.

About me: I am Super Star (yes, that is my legal name). I have earned that name – and accomplished what many people would consider impossible – because I chose to stay sober one day at a time. I left the crack houses to mingle with Hollywood’s elite, ending up working with all of my childhood musical heroes, and have now found my purpose in life after surviving an almost 15-year battle with the disease of addiction.

Currently, I am an advocate for kids in recovery from substance abuse (and prevention as well) in Malibu, California, as well as from my home in Chicago, a sober companion to many, director of a non-profit that helps those struggling with recovery, and passionate speaker to kids about the issues of drugs and addiction.

I am also an author and musician. I am currently finishing my work on the book, “The First 30 Days to Serenity: The Essential Guide to Staying Sober,” which can be pre-ordered here. I have also just wrapped up the recording of Serenity, a first-of-its-kind CD created in conjunction with my twin brother Rock Star solely to combat addiction. “Serenity,” was produced by a Grammy-winning producer and features many of our musical heroes, who have come together to help us tell our story in an effort to help others through their own addiction struggles. Guests on our CD include current and former members of bands such as Kiss, Heart, The Goo Goo Dolls, Dokken, Trans-Siberian Orchestra as well as many more. It rocks – musically and inspirationally – and can be found here

Pass this on if you feel it can help someone and feel free to visit us at www.rockstarsuperstarproject.com

Finding hope where I least expected it

Circle II Circle and friends...

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Finding hope where I least expected it.

In my blogs, I often convey how hope and courage are necessary tools to combating substance abuse for both teens and adults. Because of my own personal struggles, this subject matter comes easy for me. It’s fun and just the thought of knowing that I still hold out hope for so many things makes it that much easier for me to stay enthusiastic about them. Hope burns deep within me and is what inspires me to continue.

Last night I went to see a heavy metal concert featuring a band called Circle II Circle. It wasn’t just me going to see a metal band though, it was much more than that. It was a chance for me to see an idol of mine in action. In my eyes, a legend. His name is Zak Stevens. If the name sounds familiar is because it should. He used to sing for a heavy metal band called Savatage, now known as the hugely successful Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

Zak is a classically trained vocalist. My twin brother and I Rock Star have followed him during the length of his career. He has never been one to put on a less than stellar performance. This is true for both his studio recordings and his live performances. When my brother and I set out to recruit vocalists for our Rockstar Superstar Project “Serenity” CD, Zak was on top of the list of the people we wanted at approach.

Circle II Circle also consists of members Zak Stevens – Vocals, Paul Michael Stewart – Bass, Andy Lee – Guitar and Johnny Osborn – Drums. They are currently touring in support of their new CD Consequences of Power. I don’t want this to be a concert review but rather some insight on an age old lesson, “Life is too short,” so I’ll stop and just say they blew everyone away in attendance with their remarkable set.

I don’t wake up living anymore to find my next hit of drugs. That alone was challenging. The day to day grind of answering to my addiction was excruciating and exhausting. My drugs were my boss and to them, I was just their employee, serving to them every minute, every day. What a waste. Life is too short to live for anything or anyone but yourself; I was reminded of this last night.

I believe the four guys that make up this heavy metal band also have this life is too short mentality. How many people in your life do you know that would give up so much, to do what they love? To give up the conforming that society expects from the majority and to go out and do as they please. Do you do what you enjoy or do you answer to everyone else? And if the latter, are you truly happy with the life that you have chosen or will you have regrets at the end of it all? I know I won’t and I imagine these four guys that played in front of me last night won’t either. They are warriors. Constantly in battle with the naysayers and those who tell them to “get a real job.” To me, the real job was discovering that what you do to survive never should really be a job. To have the courage to do what these four gentleman and many other artists do takes courage and demands all of our respect. Artists are leaders not followers.

Our story that surrounds our Serenity release is very similar to what I was able to witness last night. While watching Zak and the crew nail the live performances off their new disc Consequences of Power, I was able to see how hope and perseverance and the gull to live for yourself and not others, is more awe-inspiring than the alternative. This gives me continued hope and tells me that I myself am on the right path. I do believe this is why I was able to find my recovery from substance abuse, because I did it for me, not for you.

For an adult, I think success should be measured by continuing to meet your own milestones and expectations, not those handed to you from a boss or other professional peers. It should never be measured by how much money you have or by how many friends you have. What matters is “Are you happy?” when you fall asleep. So are you?

And for you teens, let this heavy metal matters session also be a lesson. Aspire to do what you want with your life. Don’t do what you think just for the sake of making others around you happy. Do what makes you smile from within. If you like sports, don’t play for dad, instead play for yourself. If you like rock music, crank it up to 11 and don’t ever allow anyone to tell you to turn it down. If you like art, aim for becoming the next Picasso, study, perfect your craft until you get to where your vision takes you. By doing this, you will find happiness and Serenity and a life full of treasures. I know I finally discovered mine.

I think my overdose from heroin was what led my brother and I to wake up and realize the importance of dream catching. When we were young, we had always dreamed of the day we would be doing what we are doing now. We just had to find the courage to try. No matter what path you choose, those that choose their own, like Zak and the rest of the guys in that band, will become legends – and that isn’t a bad thing!

Zak Stevens the Rock Star

Daring to dream to someday work with all your childhood heroes, going for it and making it happen? Priceless!!!

Then having your favorite Rock Star wear your own trademarked Rock Star T-Shirt on stage? BONUS!!!

Life is too short, go out and get everything your heart desires!

-Super Star

Help us help others realize their dreams, purchase your own Rock Star t-shirt TODAY

Got a question for me? Enter your email on the right side of this page.

About me: I am Super Star (yes, that is my legal name). I have earned that name – and accomplished what many people would consider impossible – because I chose to stay sober one day at a time. I left the crack houses to mingle with Hollywood’s elite, ending up working with all of my childhood musical heroes, and have now found my purpose in life after surviving an almost 15-year battle with the disease of addiction.

Currently, I am an advocate for kids in recovery from substance abuse (and prevention as well) in Malibu, California, as well as from my home in Chicago, a sober companion to many, director of a non-profit that helps those struggling with recovery, and passionate speaker to kids about the issues of drugs and addiction.

I am also an author and musician. I am currently finishing my work on the book, “The First 30 Days to Serenity: The Essential Guide to Staying Sober,” which can be pre-ordered here. I have also just wrapped up the recording of Serenity, a first-of-its-kind CD created in conjunction with my twin brother Rock Star solely to combat addiction. “Serenity,” was produced by a Grammy-winning producer and features many of our musical heroes, who have come together to help us tell our story in an effort to help others through their own addiction struggles. Guests on our CD include current and former members of bands such as Kiss, Heart, The Goo Goo Dolls, Dokken, Trans-Siberian Orchestra as well as many more. It rocks – musically and inspirationally – and can be found here

Pass this on if you feel it can help someone and feel free to visit us at www.rockstarsuperstarproject.com

Tending to an addict can become a sober person’s addiction.

Tending to an addict can become a sober person’s addiction.

My getting and staying clean didn’t just impact me and my brother. My train wrecked trail of total devastation affected everyone around me. Many of those closest to me had become trained by my actions. Always tending, babysitting and cleaning up my mess. But what happens to those people when someone like me finally decides to stop using drugs?

Often confusion.

When I stopped, I saw those closest to me scratching their heads wondering what to do with themselves next. It was apparent they had become so used to taking care of me that they had forgotten how to live for themselves. My constant drain on their free time caused them to lose their own identity somewhere along the way.

When an addict stops using, it’s common for his/her caretakers to have to look into their own mirror for the first time in years. They no longer have a scapegoat to point the finger at for things and this then forces them to look into their own mirror and in a new and sometimes not so glamorous light. I have seen this firsthand. Now that I am sober I can clearly see who has been willing to discover and deal with their own issues that they have ignored, and those whom have decided to hang on to their past and avoid them.

It’s important for everyone that plays any role in the disease of addiction to work on becoming healthy. Recovery doesn’t just apply to the one suffering from substance use disorder; it applies to everyone in that circle. Recovery is for everyone to enjoy!

Got a question for me? Enter your email on the right side of this page.

About me: I am Super Star (yes, that is my legal name). I have earned that name – and accomplished what many people would consider impossible – because I chose to stay sober one day at a time. I left the crack houses to mingle with Hollywood’s elite, ending up working with all of my childhood musical heroes, and have now found my purpose in life after surviving an almost 15-year battle with the disease of addiction.

Currently, I am an advocate for kids in recovery from substance abuse (and prevention as well) in Malibu, California, as well as from my home in Chicago, a sober companion to many, director of a non-profit that helps those struggling with recovery, and passionate speaker to kids about the issues of drugs and addiction.

I am also an author and musician. I am currently finishing my work on the book, “The First 30 Days to Serenity: The Ultimate Survival Guide to Staying Sober,” which can be pre-ordered here. I have also just wrapped up the recording of Serenity, a first-of-its-kind CD created in conjunction with my twin brother Rock Star solely to combat addiction. “Serenity,” was produced by a Grammy-winning producer and features many of our musical heroes, who have come together to help us tell our story in an effort to help others through their own addiction struggles. Guests on our CD include current and former members of bands such as Kiss, Heart, The Goo Goo Dolls, Dokken, Trans-Siberian Orchestra as well as many more. It rocks – musically and inspirationally – and can be found here

Pass this on if you feel it can help someone and feel free to visit us at www.rockstarsuperstarproject.com

An open letter to my addiction

An open letter to my addiction

I know my addiction wants me dead. That’s what my addiction whispers to me every day. “I want you dead Super Star. I want to put you so far under so I can have another glorious death under my belt. “

Hate’s a strong word but I can comfortably say that I HATE my addiction. I HATE IT!

I am supposed to be working on my book tonight but can’t. I just cannot seem to break free from my thoughts of disgust for my disease of addiction. Just the utter thought of knowing I have it makes me cringe. I know it wants me dead. It doesn’t want me to see life beyond it.

So I am writing it a letter. I have to let it know how I am feeling at this very moment.

Dear Addiction,

I know you hate me. I know you want me to fail at everything I have to offer in life. Fail at everything I try and do. Create havoc everywhere I go. To stop loving and to start hating everyone in my life. But I cannot let this relationship continue. You’re selfish and it’s been completely all about you from day 1.

You must understand my perspective. I love life. I enjoy happiness. I enjoy knowing who I am and have finally become comfortable in my own skin. To look in the mirror and see all my beauty is a gift. Why would you want to take this from me? I don’t think I’ll ever understand.

Truth be known I’ve been disappointed in you for quite some time. What started out as fun ended up becoming a nightmare. I believed you when you told me that you would take care of me. I didn’t believe anyone that told me otherwise. Now I know all of your promise of ecstasy was an outright lie.

You are a murderer. A whirlwind of doom that wants me dead. I can see this now. How could I have been so naive to think otherwise. UGH!

I know you will be stalking me. Watching every move I make for the rest of my life but I won’t be paying you any more attention. So beat it!

So this is our good-bye. I am sorry but it has to be this way.

I will not accept anymore of your advances or calls. You are pathetic and this whole relationship between us was a waste. It was all about you all the time. Well not anymore. It’s become about me now, my family, my friends. You are now a thing of my past.

-Super Star

P.S You were never good anyway

I recall while in rehab, the counselors would tell me to write about my addiction. They said it would help me deal with understanding why I had it in the first place and develop the strength to eventually overcome it. I fought this for a long time. I didn’t want to write. Well turns out the counselors were right. It has helped me tremendously and I promise you that it will help you also. Try it out!

As for my addiction, I’ll hear from it again but I will never respond. That’s my promise to myself. I have better things to do now with my life, like finish this book!

Got a question for me? Enter your email on the right side of this page.

About me: I am Super Star (yes, that is my legal name). I have earned that name – and accomplished what many people would consider impossible – because I chose to stay sober one day at a time. I left the crack houses to mingle with Hollywood’s elite, ending up working with all of my childhood musical heroes, and have now found my purpose in life after surviving an almost 15-year battle with the disease of addiction.

Currently, I am an advocate for kids in recovery from substance abuse (and prevention as well) in Malibu, California, as well as from my home in Chicago, a sober companion to many, director of a non-profit that helps those struggling with recovery, and passionate speaker to kids about the issues of drugs and addiction.

I am also an author and musician. I am currently finishing my work on the book, “The First 30 Days to Serenity: The Ultimate Survival Guide to Staying Sober,” which can be pre-ordered here. I have also just wrapped up the recording of Serenity, a first-of-its-kind CD created in conjunction with my twin brother Rock Star solely to combat addiction. “Serenity,” was produced by a Grammy-winning producer and features many of our musical heroes, who have come together to help us tell our story in an effort to help others through their own addiction struggles. Guests on our CD include current and former members of bands such as Kiss, Heart, The Goo Goo Dolls, Dokken, Trans-Siberian Orchestra as well as many more. It rocks – musically and inspirationally – and can be found here

Pass this on if you feel it can help someone and feel free to visit us at www.rockstarsuperstarproject.com

When love becomes your drug of choice

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Relationships can be harmful to your health.

I have to admit, there was a time when I used others to make me feel better about myself. I was consumed with someone else’s happiness and this distracted me from my own life. This is called “codependency.” At the time I didn’t see how unhealthy it was but now I understand just how negative it was. To those watching from the outside, seeing someone so caught up in another’s life, looking for happiness where happiness doesn’t exist, is for lack of a better word, problematic. Do you know anyone like this?

That used to be me. I was that guy! I was extremely codependent! It wasn’t until I was faced with some very difficult challenges that I finally realized that happiness can only come from within. Thanks to these experiences I have been able to shed those truly unattractive behaviors and break free from codependency.

Wikipedia defines Codependency or codependence as a tendency to behave in overly passive or excessively caretaking ways that negatively impact one’s relationships and quality of life. It also often involves putting one’s needs at a lower priority than others while being excessively preoccupied with the needs of others. ^[1] Codependency can occur in any type of relationship … with family, co-workers, friendships, and also in romantic, peer or community relationships.

I dislike the word codependence. It was a word I heard often while growing up. It never sounded like it was a good thing and I didn’t realize how damaging it was until I finally understood what it meant to be codependent. It’s just an ugly word.

My codependent behavior would rear its ugly head at the beginning of almost every relationship I have ever had. Very soon into the relationship I’d shower her with gifts and massages. I’d then skip work to just have 5 extra minutes with her during lunch break, oh and while at lunch, I’d spend my last $10.00 treating her even though I hadn’t eaten all day. After 3 days into our dating I’d already consider her my other half and smother her with text messages, hundreds of them, all sent while I was driving, putting other lives in complete danger, all because I couldn’t wait a few extra minutes to see what her reply would be. I couldn’t sleep. I wouldn’t work. I’d just be too busy waiting for that next email. Ack! My skin crawls when I think I used to be this way.

This was all normal to me though. I was unhappy with myself and I thought if I made someone else happy then I’d be happy. That’s codependence at its simplest definition. The act of believing you are making yourself happy while making it appear you only care about making those around you happy. Make sense? Took me a while to grasp it but when I did, I didn’t want anything more to do with it. It’s just completely backwards.

In a way this behavior is like the behavior of an addict abusing drugs. I used drugs to mask my feelings. I used them to escape my world and enter into another one. That’s the exact same reason why people engage in codependent behaviors. Codependent people are in hiding. They would rather find comfort in running to “rescue” someone else than face themselves in the mirror. The problem with this is everything. It’s a destructive way to live. Imagine having to start a new relationship every few years because the one that you had spent so much toxic time in ended. Imagine never finding true love because you never took the time to find yourself. Yuck, I’ve been there and I don’t want to ever go back.

Finding sobriety was my turning point. This is what allowed me to see my life without the “gooey goo gaga girlfriend goggles”. Sobriety is where I finally understood how loving myself first, depending on no one else for my happiness, was what was healthy and true.

I sure am one of the happiest now because I’ve learned to put myself first! Hope this helps someone somewhere!

Got a question for me? Enter your email on the right side of this page.

About me: I am Super Star (yes, that is my legal name). I have earned that name – and accomplished what many people would consider impossible – because I chose to stay sober one day at a time. I left the crack houses to mingle with Hollywood’s elite, ending up working with all of my childhood musical heroes, and have now found my purpose in life after surviving an almost 15-year battle with the disease of addiction.

Currently, I am an advocate for kids in recovery from substance abuse (and prevention as well) in Malibu, California, as well as from my home in Chicago, a sober companion to many, director of a non-profit that helps those struggling with recovery, and passionate speaker to kids about the issues of drugs and addiction.

I am also an author and musician. I am currently finishing my work on the book, “The First 30 Days to Serenity: The Ultimate Survival Guide to Staying Sober,” which can be pre-ordered here. I have also just wrapped up the recording of Serenity, a first-of-its-kind CD created in conjunction with my twin brother Rock Star solely to combat addiction. “Serenity,” was produced by a Grammy-winning producer and features many of our musical heroes, who have come together to help us tell our story in an effort to help others through their own addiction struggles. Guests on our CD include current and former members of bands such as Kiss, Heart, The Goo Goo Dolls, Dokken, Trans-Siberian Orchestra as well as many more. It rocks – musically and inspirationally – and can be found here

Pass this on if you feel it can help someone and feel free to visit us at www.rockstarsuperstarproject.com

How do kids today view themselves?

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This week I had the pleasure of Skyping with a high school health class on the East Coast. As usual, the kids were extraordinary and asked some amazing questions! I am always surprised with how much thought kids put into the questions they ask. It makes me wonder where they are coming from with their questions. Do they want to know more about my story and message? Are they curious because they might have a concern with themselves or someone they know? Or, are they just completing a homework assignment?

There are always a wide range of questions from “Why did you start doing drugs?” to “What made you stop using drugs?” to “Why did you and your brother change your names?” These are all good questions. I appreciate that today in my life I don’t shy away from questions but answer them with complete honesty. This is so much better than when I was in active addiction and I avoided these types of questions.

This week, one question stuck out in my mind that I haven’t been able to shake so I decided to blog about it!

One of the students asked “Were you popular in school?”

I replied, “Nope neither my brother nor I were popular in high school.”

And then I got to thinking as I looked at the students on the computer screen. I wonder how they see themselves? Is popularity important to them? Do they sell out to fit in? Do they have a lower self-image because they don’t believe they are somebody? Do they think that being in the ‘in-crowd’ means that they ARE somebody … that they are only important if they are seen as popular?”

Wow! This reminds me of my own teenage years and how I believed some of those things. How I didn’t feel that I was good enough back then and the price it cost me. Now I see a whole different picture!

The definition on www.dictionary.com of Popular – regarded with favor, approval, or affection by people in general. Do we really want to send the message to kids that they need to seek approval or affection by others? In a way this is similar to someone using drugs to feel better. If someone finds value in being popular then they might just not feel good enough about themselves … always feeling they have to strive to be the best, to excel to be somebody — then comes the insertion of having to mask those feelings with drugs.

I’ve learned that acceptance starts with me ….

Often popular kids use their popularity to intimidate. That’s why I believe popularity is also a form of bullying. I know I felt this growing up. Just the energy that those popular kids had was enough for me to feel less than adequate and at times shameful to even be me.

I think it’s great when kids can be themselves even if others might perceive them as “different.” This is what builds character and strengthens a person’s ability to succeed in the world. Being popular doesn’t offer this. Also, what almost all kids don’t understand is that the popularity contest at school ends the moment you are handed your diploma. Once that piece of paper is in your hands, the phone calls from those you thought were your “friends” stop. It happens to everyone.

My advice? Stop worrying about what others think of you. Love yourself first. This will put you in a position to have things that you cannot even comprehend at the moment. A life full of love, happiness, success, and rewards are right around the corner for you.

Got a question for me? Enter your email on the right side of this page.

About me: I am Super Star (yes, that is my legal name). I have earned that name – and accomplished what many people would consider impossible – because I chose to stay sober one day at a time. I left the crack houses to mingle with Hollywood’s elite, ending up working with all of my childhood musical heroes, and have now found my purpose in life after surviving an almost 15-year battle with the disease of addiction.

Currently, I am an advocate for kids in recovery from substance abuse (and prevention as well) in Malibu, California, as well as from my home in Chicago, a sober companion to many, director of a non-profit that helps those struggling with recovery, and passionate speaker to kids about the issues of drugs and addiction.

I am also an author and musician. I am currently finishing my work on the book, “The First 30 Days to Serenity: The Ultimate Survival Guide to Staying Sober,” which can be pre-ordered here. I have also just wrapped up the recording of Serenity, a first-of-its-kind CD created in conjunction with my twin brother Rock Star solely to combat addiction. “Serenity,” was produced by a Grammy-winning producer and features many of our musical heroes, who have come together to help us tell our story in an effort to help others through their own addiction struggles. Guests on our CD include current and former members of bands such as Kiss, Heart, The Goo Goo Dolls, Dokken, Trans-Siberian Orchestra as well as many more. It rocks – musically and inspirationally – and can be found here

Pass this on if you feel it can help someone and feel free to visit us at www.rockstarsuperstarproject.com

Four Loko is killing our kids!

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Newsflash: Four Loko (Phusion Projects) doesn’t care about you!

Did you know that drinking a whole can of Four Loko is the equivalent of having almost 5 shots or 5 beers? Yup, Four Loko’s contain 12 percent of alcohol in each can, equal to four beers. That’s pretty steep.

What does this all mean? It means that this drink can potentially kill you!

To a lot of people that like to drink, this may sound like music to ones ears, but for others, it may mean a trip to the ER and the possibility of death.

I am appalled by Four Loko’s parent company, Phusion Projects. Their blatant disregard is obvious, it stems from nothing more than greed. They are preying upon people, especially teens, who want a buzz strong enough to knock them out cold. Literally! I wonder if Phusion Projects ever stops to think about the underlying reasons why so many kids are reaching for their beverage.

I have proof of my own that Phusion Projects doesn’t care about its consumers. I have spent all week trying to get a hold of someone that might want to help me shed some light as to why this company feels it’s ok to feed this rubbish to our kids, and all my phone calls and emails have been ignored. You would think that a company like this would go above and beyond trying to promote responsibility on things other than its website. Which by the way, is only there to entice the reader into purchasing its supposedly sweet concoction of alcohol, sugar and caffeine. I wasn’t at all fooled by their attempt to cover up their true marketing initiative by some lame graphics and trivial questions so neither should you. This drink needs to be banned!

Caffeine only adds to the false impression of invincibility that alcohol creates and I have no doubt it’s been leading to some very unfortunate circumstances for the younger demographic that its marketing itself to.

“My friend drank two cans and I drank one and a half,” one student tells The Hurricane. “That half was the difference between life and death.”

Life and death! Do you hear that kids? This is serious. Don’t drink it!

It’s been referred to as a “blackout in a can” and for some kids the results are far worse.

Four Loko masks the taste of alcohol with heavy amounts of sweets and carbonation. This to me is proof that the intent is to entice the younger age bracket. After all, what kid doesn’t like a glass of Hi-C, which this has often been referred to. And what adult do you know that would reach for a glass of Hi-C when out amongst friends? None! That’s my point!

And what’s with all the caffeine? Here’s what! The caffeine may make you feel like you’re not getting drunk as quickly, so you will undoubtedly ingest more of their beverage, that is until you’ve way overdone it and 911 has been called. With a promise of such a kick, what inexperienced, youthful teenager trying to impress friends or drinking as a means to escape wouldn’t want to slam one of these back?

So since I couldn’t get a hold of anyone at Phusion Projects to respond to my calls, my message to them is: Hey Phusion Projects! Want to really reach out, get your side of the story out there? Then return my calls and countless emails, I’m waiting.

But I won’t hold my breath.

Got a question for me? Enter your email on the right side of this page.

About me: I am Super Star (yes, that is my legal name). I have earned that name – and accomplished what many people would consider impossible – because I chose to stay sober one day at a time. I left the crack houses to mingle with Hollywood’s elite, ending up working with all of my childhood musical heroes, and have now found my purpose in life after surviving an almost 15-year battle with the disease of addiction.

Currently, I am an advocate for kids in recovery from substance abuse (and prevention as well) in Malibu, California, as well as from my home in Chicago, a sober companion to many, director of a non-profit that helps those struggling with recovery, and passionate speaker to kids about the issues of drugs and addiction.

I am also an author and musician. I am currently finishing my work on the book, “The First 30 Days to Serenity: The Ultimate Survival Guide to Staying Sober,” which can be pre-ordered here. I have also just wrapped up the recording of Serenity, a first-of-its-kind CD created in conjunction with my twin brother Rock Star solely to combat addiction. “Serenity,” was produced by a Grammy-winning producer and features many of our musical heroes, who have come together to help us tell our story in an effort to help others through their own addiction struggles. Guests on our CD include current and former members of bands such as Kiss, Heart, The Goo Goo Dolls, Dokken, Trans-Siberian Orchestra as well as many more. It rocks – musically and inspirationally – and can be found here

Pass this on if you feel it can help someone and feel free to visit us at www.rockstarsuperstarproject.com

How do you know if you are an addict?

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How do you know if you are an addict?

This isn’t a question for me! I already know I am. Although as I mentioned in a previous blog, I prefer as having a substance use disorder.

I do recall the moment I first asked myself this question. It’s a question that all of us addicts have to ask eventually and one that we have to answer truthfully in order to start addressing our addiction and work towards our recovery. For me, my own answer to this question came easily, but for some; years of denial can get in the way of the honest answer that we know must come in order to begin healing.

So how do you know if you suffer from substance use disorder?

Generally, people that are not addicts do not have to even ask themselves this question. If they do, they are able to stop, take a look at their behavior, and correct it. Addicts generally cannot do this. We try and try and try again, but each time fail miserably. This is the difference between an addict and someone who isn’t. So if you are trying to stop your drinking and/or drug use, and are failing over and over again to do so, you’re already in addiction.

Here is how I finally figured out.

Every time I’d try to stop, I couldn’t.

I just couldn’t. I didn’t know how. I didn’t have the tools, or even the confidence to stop. Every time I tried, I’d be back at it a few hours later. It didn’t matter if there were consequences or not, I just couldn’t stay away from my drug of choice no matter how hard I tried.

I’d try and try again, only to have myself tell me over and over again that I could always stop tomorrow if I wanted to. That I just needed to do it “One more time.”

That is addiction!!

I hated discovering I was an addict, but later I would learn that understanding my addiction would lead me to discover myself and see that the person I was running from all those years wasn’t such a bad guy after all.

Below is a good test, I invite you to try it. If you answer “YES” to THREE or MORE, then you may be very close to developing a drug or alcohol problem.

1. Have you ever decided to stop drinking or drugging for a week or even a few days, but only to break your promise to yourself or your family?

2. Do you wish people would mind their own business about your drinking and drugging?

3. Have you ever switched from one kind of drink or drug to another thinking that this would help you get “in control of your life”?

4. Do you ever drink or drug in the morning?

5. Do you envy people who can use alcohol or drugs without getting in trouble?

6. Have you had problems connected with drinking or drugging during the past few months?
7. Has your drinking or drugging caused trouble in your family or at home?

8. Do you ever try to get “extra” drinks or drugs at a party because you do not get enough?

9. Do you tell yourself you can stop using alcohol or drugs any time you want, even though you keep getting high when you do not want to?

10. Have you missed days of work or school because of your using alcohol or drugs?

11. Do you have “blackouts”, where you cannot remember when you’re drunk or high?

12. Have you ever felt that your life would be better if you did not use alcohol or drugs?

Answering questions like this is the first step in getting help and stopping the insanity of addiction. Don’t put off or avoid them anymore.

If you have gotten to the bottom of this blog and have now answered yes to the question “Am I an addict?” , then ask for help TODAY. This will be the beginning of the road that will lead you to your true identity and I promise you, it’s going to be a person that you love more than you ever imagined you would.

Got a question for me? Enter your email on the right side of this page.

About me: I am Super Star (yes, that is my legal name). I have earned that name – and accomplished what many people would consider impossible – because I chose to stay sober one day at a time. I left the crack houses to mingle with Hollywood’s elite, ending up working with all of my childhood musical heroes, and have now found my purpose in life after surviving an almost 15-year battle with the disease of addiction.

Currently, I am an advocate for kids in recovery from substance abuse (and prevention as well) in Malibu, California, as well as from my home in Chicago, a sober companion to many, director of a non-profit that helps those struggling with recovery, and passionate speaker to kids about the issues of drugs and addiction.

I am also an author and musician. I am currently finishing my work on the book, “The First 30 Days to Serenity: The Ultimate Survival Guide to Staying Sober,” which can be pre-ordered here. I have also just wrapped up the recording of Serenity, a first-of-its-kind CD created in conjunction with my twin brother Rock Star solely to combat addiction. “Serenity,” was produced by a Grammy-winning producer and features many of our musical heroes, who have come together to help us tell our story in an effort to help others through their own addiction struggles. Guests on our CD include current and former members of bands such as Kiss, Heart, The Goo Goo Dolls, Dokken, Trans-Siberian Orchestra as well as many more. It rocks – musically and inspirationally – and can be found here

Pass this on if you feel it can help someone and feel free to visit us at www.rockstarsuperstarproject.com