Drunk Writers Were Better Sober

This, from a new study, The Independent reports. Not only were they better writers, they probably had better aim at the toilet, as well. That, and they drove better. Those things, and they could walk in a straight line.

From the piece...

While many artists and writers were famous for substance abuse, most produced their greatest works while not intoxicated, according to the psychiatrist Dr Iain Smith. In fact alcohol and drugs were more likely to stifle creativity, he claimed.

Dr Smith, an addiction expert from Gartnavel Royal Hospital in Glasgow, said: "The reason why this myth is so powerful is the allure of the substances, and the fact that many artists need drugs to cope with their emotions. Artists are, in general, more emotional people."

Also, on Big Think, there's a discussion on addiction and art, here.