Preloading

James Taylor's Best Advice for Addicts: "Sweat It Out"

Season 5 Episode 506
Aired on 11/29/2015 | CC tv-14
After James Taylor was introduced to heroin by the drummer in his band, The Flying Machine, this celebrated singer-songwriter says he was hooked. For about 18 years, James battled an addiction to opiates.

Then, in 1983, he says he finally got sober and did what he needed to do to clean up. "The addict himself has to want to quit," James says. "To be in the position where you have to quit but you don't want to is much, much worse than you want to quit, but you don't know how to."

Now, after more than 30 years of sobriety, James says his best advice for addicts is to get help as soon as you recognize you're suffering from this disease. "The sooner you get over it, the sooner you get on with your life," he says. "The 12-step programs are the best way we've discovered, so far, for recovering from addiction."

James also credits physical exercise with helping him get his body and nervous system back on track. "You have to go to boot camp, and it makes you feel better," he says. "Eventually, that sort of just scours the devil out of you, so that's the best practical advice I can give—sweat it out."

Watch as James shares more about his recovery.

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