Friday, 10 November 2006

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Keith Urban's advice to addicts: 'Stay communicating'

Words of Nicole Kidman's husband before rehab

Keith Urban, who entered a rehabilitation center for alcohol abuse on Oct. 19, says his best chance to deal with the demons of addiction is his marriage to Nicole Kidman.

During an interview with the men's magazine Best Life, which he gave in Nashville two weeks before entering rehab, the Australian musician said: "I have spent most of my life torn between wanting to be a good husband and a good partner, and wanting to apply myself fully to my career. And not always knowing how to go about doing the two of those things simultaneously."

His advice to other similar "souls at sea" in his situation, he says, is to "stay communicating with the people around you. Everyone gets overwhelmed at points, but it's when you think you can handle it yourself and you don't reach out for help. That's when the end is near. Recognize that you are about to tire, that drowning is looming."

Urban, 39, who has admitted to a past addiction to cocaine, adds, "I've definitely been that drowning guy, and in the midst of drowning, thought, I wonder if I should put my hand up?"

For his own part, he says, "I still wonder how to keep all these plates spinning sometimes, you know? I'm just really grateful to be present and doing what I can. And if it overwhelms me, I speak out and say, 'There is too much going on.'"

When he checked into the rehab center last month, with Kidman at his side, Urban issued a statement in which he said, in part: "With the strength and unwavering support I am blessed to have from my wife, family and friends, I am determined and resolved to a positive outcome."

Earlier this week, Urban was named male vocalist of the year for the second year running at the Country Music Association Awards, in Nashville. Though Urban was not present, the crowd gave him a standing ovation when presenter Ronnie Dunn read his name.

Dunn also read a letter in which Urban thanked his friends and Kidman, whom he married June 28. "I'm looking forward to coming home and seeing you all soon," Urban stated.

The day after the ceremony, on Tuesday, Urban's latest CD, Love, Pain, & the whole crazy thing, was released as scheduled, despite the announcement last month that he would postpone all upcoming promotional appearances so he could deal with his personal issues.