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Intervention and Recovery Advocate

Older people in recovery are probably familiar with the band Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (CSNY), and their hit album Déjà Vu. Right now, you may be wondering what a 50-year-old rock album has to do with addiction, intervention, and recovery?

Most people are unaware that there was another member of the band in the 1970s whose last name’s initial didn’t appear after CSNY. His name was Dallas Taylor (Prisoner of Woodstock), and he was their percussionist at Woodstock and on the CSNY’s first album and Déjà Vu as well.

Die-hard fans of the band are likely familiar with Taylor’s percussion abilities. They may also know that his departure from the group had to with Taylor’s battle with drug addiction. While no longer performing onstage with one of the most popular bands in the world was a significant loss for Mr. Taylor, it was the impetus for him going on to affect many lives.

After being a professional drummer, Dallas Taylor became an interventionist. Of course, that was a role he took on after getting clean and sober in 1984.

Remembering a Recovery Advocate and Interventionist

Given that it’s the 50th anniversary of Déjà Vu, we thought it prudent to educate you on the addicted drummer that became a recovery advocate and interventionist. Sadly, Dallas Taylor passed away in 2015 just one month after celebrating 30 years of sobriety.

Taylor’s drug and alcohol use in the ’60s, ’70s, and early ’80s took a severe toll on his body. In 1989, five years after adopting a program of recovery, Dallas discovered that he was suffering from terminal liver failure and kidney damage. However, his health problems did not prevent him from helping hundreds if not thousands of people find recovery over the course of 30 years.

Attempts were made to slow the progression of his illnesses. In 1990, he received a liver transplant thanks in part to Don Henley, who organized a benefit concert to help. In 2007 his wife donated one of her kidneys to Dallas. Even though Taylor had significant health problems, he maintained a positive attitude and truly believed in the power of the addiction recovery community. Those who knew him personally will remember Taylor’s infectious smile.

Over the tenure of his recovery, he helped scores of families get their loved ones into treatment. He worked closely with some of the best addiction treatment centers in the United States. He served as a drug and alcohol counselor for more than 28 years, but his primary focus was interventions.

In 1995, Taylor published an autobiography, Prisoner of Woodstock, which recounts his battle with addiction and his journey of recovery. It tells the story of going from being one of the greatest drummers in rock n roll history to becoming a leader in intervention. It’s an inspiring read worth your time.

Taylor is survived by his wife Patti, son Dallas, daughters Sharlotte and Lisa, and grandchildren.

Professional Help for Staging an Intervention

Helping a loved one make the decision to seek addiction treatment and embrace a program of recovery is a challenging endeavor. However, with the right assistance, it’s possible to encourage a family member to change their life.

At Whitman Recovery Service, our team of interventionists can provide you with professional help for staging an intervention. We have an excellent success rate of 98 percent and have conducted more than 500 interventions. Please contact us today to learn more about how we can help you help your loved one.