I already knew in advance what the coroner’s toxicology report would reveal as the cause of death of my friend, Ed Buggs. A mutual friend told me shortly after his body was found two weeks ago that cocaine and drug paraphenalia were found near the body. Knowing of Ed’s struggles, I am not shocked. The sad fact is that most alcoholics and addicts do not attain long term sobriety.
I am one of the lucky people, having plugged the jug 39+ years ago. In order to stop drinking, I endured pain and humiliation, though not nearly as much as my family. Even with years in recovery, I don’t take my sobriety for granted. I have remained active in the most successful successful program for alcoholics ever devised. And it is free. The 12 Step program also works for other addictions. Cocaine was not a drug of choice in my my boozing era. Thankfully so, because from all I know about its effect, I would have been attracted to the drug.
Ed and I had many conversations about his addiction and recovery. He talked a good game. Walking the walk is different altogether. Consequently, he fell prey to a deadly event—success. I’m told that he and a partner were on the brink of earning a sizeable chunk of change in a company they founded. I was warned throughout my early years of sobriety to be cautious when good things begin to accrue. Alcoholics often forget from whence the success came.
I lived two lives—one of incredible failure in which I sunk to the gutter both physically and emotionally. Sober, I achieved more in my career than I ever hoped for. More important than professional success was my growth emotionally and spiritually. As I have written in my book, I don’t know why I have been so fortunate while others I’ve known died from the disease of addiction. I thank God on a daily basis. And I give thanks for those who tried, but failed. They taught me gratitude.
There is a saying around AA that some people die to keep others sober. I think that is rather harsh. Nonetheless, as we consider Ed’s death, I hope alcoholics and other addicts will take note.
I will remember you, Ed.
My memoir, Odyssey of a Derelict Gunslinger, is available at amazon.com and independent bookstores. It offers much more than $19.99 worth of laughs. It is an account of my illustrious (I choose the adjectives) career.
I recently buried an “Ed” in Charlotte. As you point out, success is as dangerous to addicts as failure. I toyed with coke (it always snows in Denver!) but my drug of choice was opium. I managed to walk away (well, the fall of Cambodia helped eliminate the source) and I convinced myself that I could certainly walk away from booze. I was sorely wrong. I thought about skipping my meeting tonight, but after your post, I dragged my sorry ass out the door. Thanks, John, for keeping me a little more honest.
No matter how long we have been around, Haney, we need reminders. Sadly, tragedy is the grim reminder.
Nice tribute and Ed deserves it. He was a loyal friend to many of us, a man and journalist worthy of respect.
Thank you for the insight, John, that this tragedy can help others, if they will look and learn.
I recently buried an “Ed” in Charlotte. As you point out, success is as dangerous to addicts as failure. I toyed with coke (it always snows in Denver!) but my drug of choice was opium. I managed to walk away (well, the fall of Cambodia helped eliminate the source) and I convinced myself that I could certainly walk away from booze. I was sorely wrong. I thought about skipping my meeting tonight, but after your post, I dragged my sorry ass out the door. Thanks, John, for keeping me a little more honest.
Nice tribute and Ed deserves it. He was a loyal friend to many of us, a man and journalist worthy of respect.
John,
I wondered after speaking with you at the Magnolia Cafe in St. Francisville why you were convinced drugs were involved in Ed’s death. In fact, I returned to lunching with my mom and said, “Why do people always assume the worse. John Camp is convinced Ed died of a drug overdose.” Mom said, “It’s been all over the paper and the TV.” I hadn’t seen local news for a week, having been out-of-town on vacation, and avoiding everything but the Gulf oil spill. I wanted so desperately to believe Ed had conquered his drug problems, despite what I was hearing from others in the television business.
Perhaps I was naive, having tried to smoke a cigarette twice to ease deadline pressure, and I didn’t see any results. Perhaps I should have smoked three or four cigarettes. I can still handle only one glass of wine or one mixed drink at a time before falling all over myself. I know my limit. The thought of trying cocaine or marijuana is beyond my imaganitation, knowing my humble West Feliciana roots and training.
I was never convinced Ed used drugs until I spoke at a school where he had also spoke of his drug issues. The principal told me about Ed’s speech. I had produced, hundreds and hundreds of newscasts for Ed.
Whatever his issues, they were never obvious to me. I’m glad there are people like you who can put things in perspective from experience. I’m glad you are also trying to teach others from your mistakes.
I don’t think anything can take away the legacy Ed left in broadcasting in Baton Rouge, especially for African-Americans. It is a shame he fell into the same trap that many people fall into. I agree. Some people simply can’t handle success.
Always great seeing you.