Watch: Disturbed’s David Draiman Speaks On Struggles With Addiction and Depression

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David Draiman: AFX836, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
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Around the world, thousands upon thousands of people struggle with addiction and depression. Per the Hope For Depression Research Foundation, they share that depression “is the primary reason why someone dies of suicide about every 12 minutes. – over 41,000 people a year.” Per an article published by the Association of American Medical Colleges, “21.2 million Americans have a substance use disorder.”

In the world of heavy metal, many artists have also struggled with addiction and depression, and among those who have faced such demons is Disturbed singer David Draiman.

During a recent Disturbed show, the singer spoke to the crowd and talked about his own personal struggles. While referring to the band’s song “A Reason To Fight,” Draiman shared that “addiction and depression can happen to anyone […].” Speaking about his struggles, Draiman shares the following (as transcribed by The PRP):

“A reason to fight. We all need one. The demons that are known as addiction and depression are very, very real. They are diseases no different than cancer. You can’t see depression. You can’t see addiction. It festers inside. It metastasizes, takes over your body and mind, your soul.

“And I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of losing everybody I love to depression and addiction. Every single bandmember on this stage has dealt with those feelings, with those demons. And I miss the friends that we’ve lost. I miss Chester [Bennington, singer of Linkin Park], I miss Scott [Weiland, singer of Stone Temple Pilots] I miss Chris [Cornell, singer/guitarist of Soundgarden.]

“And if I can be completely honest with you, a couple months ago, I almost joined them. Addiction and depression can happen to anyone ladies and gentlemen. No one is immune from it no matter how beautiful their life may look from the outside. No matter how blessed they may seem. It’s out of our control. Now by a show of hands how many of you have dealt with the demons of addiction and depression yourself or know someone that has? Keep ’em up. Now take a look around this arena.

“As you can see my friends, you are not alone.”

Opening up to an audience like this takes a lot of guts and we applaud Draiman for his vulnerability and willingness to talk about such an important topic. Below you can watch a video of David Draiman opening up to the audience about his struggles with addiction and depression.

A source to look into, if you or someone you care about is struggling with substance abuse, is Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Dial 1-800-622-HELP (1-800-622-4357) or send a text message to 1-800-487-4889.

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