Asana Recovery

Words of Wisdom About Drugs and Alcohol From Kiss Frontman Paul Stanley


During the height of the 1960s through the 1980s, rock bands were at the peak of popularity, but ultimate victory could often come with a sharp price. Once bands and artists rose to fame, many of them were quickly swept away by a quick, easy, and deadly escape: alcohol and drugs. Needless to say, passing the joint was commonplace during this time, but many rockers died as a result of addiction (Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Elvis Presley to name a few). So how do you stay clean during the time of sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll? According to KISS frontman Paul Stanley, the solution is very simple. Let’s take a closer look at what the iconic rock star has to say about abstaining from addictive substances and making it big.

Peer Pressure

At some point, a loved one or a friend has pestered us about taking part in something uncomfortable or dangerous. However, imagine if your friend shoved a pot of cocaine or a bottle of Jack Daniels in your face. How would you react? How do you prevent yourself from falling victim to peer pressure?

According to Paul Stanley, the answer is simple: common sense.

For over forty years, Stanley has performed as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist for the legendary heavy metal band KISS and has never shown signs of slowing down. Overall, he proudly professes that he has been fortunate and successful because he made the right choices throughout his life. In a recent interview with Men’s Journal, Stanley explained how a person has two choices. You can either accept the drugs or booze because you want to be “cool” like other rockers or (of course) just say “NO.”

Love Your Life

Stanley, who is also a painter, has defined life as a cartoon that should be powered by passion and determination, not addiction. To the iconic Starchild, rock and roll is a caricature of everyday life, and each person on stage is an actor in their own right. To this day, Stanley stands by the fact that you can keep the drugs, and he will take the rock and roll.

So, what is the key philosophy that powers his life? Stanley professes that he would rather wake up each day and feel grateful to be alive, instead of suffering through a hangover or overdose. Life is about choices, and passion should be enough to help you plow through temptation.

