Ex-Metallica bassist reveals painkiller addiction

Former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted has opened up about his addiction to painkillers as he recovered from an almost career-ending injury, reports contactmusic.com.

Newsted, who injured both of his shoulder while attempting to catch a bass amp, went through numerous surgeries and several years of rehab while he tried to regain the use of his hands.

However, as well as the horrific injury, Newsted has also revealed he developed a dangerous prescription drug addiction as a result of his recovery.

Cited by noisecreep.com, Newsted said: "When I had my shoulder surgeries, they took over a three-and-a-half to four-year span, back and forth, left shoulder, right shoulder, left shoulder, right shoulder.

"With complete bicep tears and rotator cuff tears and very ugly rehab and therapy. Painkiller addiction, the whole deal," he added.

Addiction is very serious and can appear in a number of guises - from gambling and alcohol to sex - making it important for those who feel they have an addiction to seek treatment, such as a hypnotherapy course.

Newsted managed to shake his pill habit and began using art as a way to continue his rehabilitation. As he only had one arm available at a time and was not able to play his instrument, he started painting. Now, Newsted can use "both hands equally for everything".