No Matter What: An Alcoholic's Battle Cry for Freedom

Patrick Campbell knew what he wanted to be as soon as he heard The Beatles at age eight: a rock star. In high school, he grew his hair long and started living his dream, singing at county fairs, block parties, and competitions. At the age of twenty-six, he went with his band to California to find stardom. He took a detour when two strippers introduced him to the party scene—and he ultimately became famous not for his singing but his quality cocaine. When a girl overdosed, he returned to Florida and started playing clubs again. Life took another turn when he was busted for the third time for driving under the influence. To avoid jail time, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he spent the next seven years. After a failed marriage to a millionaire’s daughter, he turned to drinking like a true sailor with a girl (sometimes two) in every port. It’s only when he lost everything—including his father and second wife—that he decided to get sober for the last time.