"...Something's gotta to turn out right."

So, I'm as much a fan of the grunge metal band Alice In Chains as the next two people I just so happen to be sandwiched between in line, when it comes to the Seattle based hard rockers. I wouldn't consider myself a die-hard fan, but definitely enough of one when it comes to having included amongst my own vast collection of assembled music, a CD comprised of their greatest hits material. My recent decision to amp up my inspirational athletic training music on my iPod, led me online to i-tunes and several purchases from the catalog of Alice In Chains, that I figured would turn up the intensity a little bit as I continue to move forward in preparation for my next big race in four weeks time. As I had expected, the new mixture of heavy octane fueled music fit the bill perfectly as I continued to grind away revolution after revolution, in hopes of soon feeling the oncoming discomfort wrought forward due to excessive cardiovascular exercise and inevitable muscle fatigue. Savoring it as though some sort of soothing, yet welcoming sign of accomplishment, I hammered on while getting lost in thought at the lyrics permeating throughout my head.

The more I listened, the more I thought of Alice In Chain's late singer Layne Staley, and the terrible events of substance abuse that led up to his death in 2002 at the age of 34. The real-life struggles penned to many a song as though presented in a recorded audio autobiography by Layne, seemed to only amplify the visual aspect of the living book, that I see daily each day working in the health care environment, as well as surrounding life. Over and over as the songs played echoing loudly, thoughts drifted back and forth from the obvious question of "how does one...., to simply understanding at what an incredible and promising talent has been lost!"

    

In an interview given shortly before he died, Layne spoke in harsh, yet sobering detail as to the health effects sustained, and suffered from long time substance abuse usage. His poignant words I feel, can only serve well in educating others to the dangers of prolonged substance abuse, and the accompanying problems that follow along with them. Far to long after influential people such as this pass on, family, friends, and of course fans, are left to wonder for many years later on how thing's just might have turned out, if all the should haves, and could haves, simply had worked out. Those needing assistance should not look for an easy, perceived pathway of escape, but in turn should seek help, seek counseling, and most certainly choose life, when it comes to battling the demons and despair that is drug addiction.