Drug Rehab Success Story: Ed Reed

The life of jazz musician Ed Reed has displayed how a battle with drugs and alcoholism can last for years—but hope always remains. Reed has gone through 40 years of heroin abuse accompanied by drug related prison sentences due to his lifelong self-destructive addiction, but has made a remarkable comeback story in recent years. In 2007 Reed made his recording debut at the age of 78 and, as his wife of 44 years describes, “it is the biggest miracle in our lives.” Reed grew up in Los Angeles, he dropped out of high school, ran away from home, joined the army, and got hooked on heroin at the age of 17. He describes the worst time of his life as “getting drunk, shooting heroin, stop breathing and falling down almost dead”—and he attributes the root of his heroin addiction to his social awkwardness by not being able to stand up for himself—or in other words peer pressure.

Ed Reed’s origins of drug abuse can be relatable to many youths today—especially in heavy populated areas like in New York (NY) and New Jersey (NJ), where drugs can be more commonly accessible. The tragedy and triumph of Reed’s story, which can serve as motivation for current addicts, is that he had an immense talent for singing jazz his entire life but it took him 78 years to fully realize his potential. Through professional help, a strong support system, and most important his own personal commitment, Reed was able to finally overcome his addiction and climb out of the hole that heroin had dug for him. His musical talent was something that he could latch on to and focus on in order for him to overcome his addiction, but for people who currently struggle with drug addiction and alcoholism it might be something else. It’s important to get professional help and be able to realize and understand how as an individual you can find a new focus and passion to get past your addictive ways—and Seabrook can help you do just that.

Seabrook is an internationally recognized private and exclusive inpatient addiction rehab and alcoholism detoxification treatment center who has achieved an elite CARF accreditation status, ensuring that our rehab patients receive the highest quality treatment. Our wide range of addiction treatment services include: intensive detoxification, individual and group therapy, and education in the biological, social and spiritual aspects of addiction in residential treatment. Seabrook employs highly credentialed professionals in the addiction field, whose specialties encompass every area of medical, clinical, psychological and spiritual treatment of the disease of addiction. If the story of Ed Reed inspires you, then contact Seabrook today to start your own road to recovery!