Tensions within the band had dramatically increased by this time. Producer Brendan O'Brien said, ""Vitalogy" was a little strained. I'm being polite—there was some imploding going on." Bassist Jeff Ament said that "communication was at an all-time low". Drummer Dave Abbruzzese stated that the communication problems started once guitarist Stone Gossard stopped acting as the band's mediator. According to Gossard, "Vitalogy" was the first album in which lead vocalist Eddie Vedder made the final decisions. At the time, Gossard thought of quitting the band. Gossard said that the band was having trouble collaborating, so most of the songs were developed out of jam sessions. He added that "80 percent of the songs were written 20 minutes before they were recorded." During the production of "Vitalogy", lead guitarist Mike McCready went into rehabilitation to receive treatment for alcohol and cocaine abuse.