Performing artists have one of the toughest and most demanding jobs in the world. They have to constantly stay on top of their creative game, working long hours and dealing with a demanding public. However, many performing artists also have to deal with an additional challenge – addiction. Addiction is highly prevalent among performing artists, with some estimates suggesting that over half of performing artists have some form of addiction. So why is addiction so prevalent among performing artists?
First of all, it’s important to understand that performing artists are under a tremendous amount of stress and pressure on a daily basis. They have to constantly come up with new ways to entertain the public and refine their craft, while also being constantly scrutinized by critics, audiences, and other professionals in the industry. This can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and even substance abuse as a way to cope with these feelings and emotions.

Another factor that can contribute to addiction among performing artists is the lifestyle that often goes along with the job. Many performers must travel frequently and deal with intense competition, financial hardships, and feelings of isolation. All of these things can lead to an increase in drug and alcohol consumption as a way to dull these feelings.
Finally, performing artists are often portrayed in the media as glamorous and successful, and many view this lifestyle as the only way they will ever be able to achieve success. Unfortunately, this leads many to make unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as abusing drugs or alcohol in hopes of furthering their careers.
No matter what the cause, addiction is a serious problem that can have devastating consequences for performing artists. Luckily, there are a number of resources available for those struggling with addiction and there is no shame in seeking help. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s important to reach out and take the necessary steps to get the help they need to recover.
It’s clear that addiction is a very real problem for performing artists, but it’s also important to remember that addiction can be overcome. With the right support and resources, performing artists can continue to pursue their careers and live happy, healthy lives.



Professional performance artists live a lifestyle that few people can comprehend. For a living, performance artists get on a stage in front of an audience and dance, act, sing or do a number of other performative talents for the audience’s entertainment, amusement and enlightenment. Preparation for these performances includes grueling rehearsals and many hours spent at practice and memorization. The work is hard, the wages are often sporadic and inconsistent and the performance schedule often involves travel. This is why the number of performing artists who are thriving is considerably low. Performance artists lead very challenging lives, with hardships that include mental disorders, stage fright and rootlessness.
Performance artists face a number of challenges that other working professionals have never been exposed to. The performing arts require the sensitivity it takes to envision and execute a quality performance, yet they also require the thick skin it takes to endure unkind audiences, grueling rehearsal schedules and a traveling lifestyle. Many performance artists cannot handle the pressures of life on stage and succumb to addiction while trying and failing to cope in a healthy way. Mental health professionals are aware that life as a performing artists is particularly hard on a person’s mental health. Because of this, there are addiction treatment programs designed specifically for performance artists.