Mike Starr Passes at 44

If any of you followed the season of Celebrity Rehab and Sober House that Mike Starr was involved in, then you know Mike Starr's story. When he first showed up he was on methadone (I think I remember his dose being 160mgs) and was also abusing any other drugs he could get his hands on. Dr. Drew had him quit the methadone cold turkey (YES! cold turkey!) and then later put him on suboxone. He even made a guest appearance on the last season to try and encourage the new bunch and to share his story with them. He looked so good and I was so surprised to see him looking so well and still sober!

From what I can tell from the research I've done, he got back on the methadone program recently and was also taking benzo's for anxiety.

I wanted to share the story of his passing with the group in case there were others like me out there who followed his story and struggle with his addiction.

Mike Starr Passes at 44

Mike Starr, former bassist of Alice in Chains, passed away on March 8 2011. He battled addiction for most of his life and was even on Dr. Drew's show Celebrity Rehab because of it. He was very sick throughout the show, being very negative and in denial mostly. At the end of the show, he said he would continue to Sober House. Mike Starr was sober for a total of six months and seven days. That is an amazing accomplishment for someone so addicted to hardcore drugs.

Here is a photo of Starr when he was the bassist of Alice in Chains (1987-1993)

Mike was affected by the drugs in a way that totally changed his personality. On the show you can see him struggling with sobriety. It wasn't an easy process for him, but it made many viewers and fans happy to see him continue to Sober House. One of the most moving episodes was when family and/or friends visited those trying to become sober. Layne Staley, the singer of Alice in Chains, who died in 2002 of a heroin overdose, had an impact on the band members. His mother appeared on the said episode and was very emotional telling Starr how she did not want him to turn out like Layne. She didn't want another one she loved to pass away because of addiction. The episode is very haunting and definitely resontated with Mike.

Here are some comments made by band members, Dr. Drew, and fans:

"Jerry and Sean are mourning the loss of their friend and ask that the media respect their privacy -- and the privacy of Mike's family -- during this difficult time. Their thoughts & prayers are with Mike's family," the statement by Jerry Cantrell and Sean Kinney was released.

"Devastating to hear of Mike Starr succumbing to his illness. So very sad. Our prayers are with his family," the doctor wrote on his Twitter page.

"RIP Mike Starr. Another fallen Soldier to addiction.. " - Nikki Sixx

"RIP mike Starr. Alice in chains. Say hi to layne staley. You two are reunited too young." - Fan

It is not said whether Mike Starr died because of his addiction, but he was recently arrested for suspicion of felony possession of a controlled substance in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he was later found dead.

My heart aches for Mike, since I followed him on Dr. Drew's show. I am in love with Alice in Chains and have been for some time. The death of Layne was tragic, and so is the death of Mike. They are reunited too young. I hope Mike and Layne are together as we speak, catching up. R.I.P. Mike Starr and Layne Staley

original link
http://clarissavengeance.buzznet.com/user/journal/7938061/mike-starr-passes-44/

Thanks for posting this!!! I followed this story as well and enjoyed Alice in Chains. One of the saddest things I heard was about the death of Layne Staley who was found in his home (according to press reports) sitting on the sofa dead. He had been there for 2 weeks before he was found so I am sure his body was in bad shape. The press reported that his mother found him along with the police. She sat down on that sofa next to her son who had been there for 2 weeks and told him how much she loved him and said goodbye..... As a mother myself that one broke my heart! It was so good to see her on Dr Drew talking with Mike Starr.