To look down at his journey as the crow flies, Miller seems a charmed soul walking down streets paved in gold CDs. But Miller’s road has been anything but straight and narrow. He’s had to climb a desert mountain filled with the land mines and personal demons of failed relationships, drugs, and alcohol. “I did the whole rock star lifestyle long before I was a rock star” he jokes. But in a serious tone he adds, “Damn I’m glad I don’t do that anymore.”

Derek has allowed me to write a book about his struggle with addiction which will offer no embellishments, excuses, or false pleas for forgiveness, but rather an honest account of a difficult period in his life. “My life is an open book,” he tells me over lunch. “I’ll lay it all out there. Ask me anything.” I’ve barely scratched the surface of getting to know him but I believe his sincerity. I can see it in his eyes. He has no doubts or fears about opening his soul to the world and letting us all peer inside. He hopes that if any good can come from his battle with substance abuse, it will be to serve as an inspiration to anyone struggling to find their way.

For my part, I’m just happy he figured it out and got himself into rehab before all that spectacular talent was wasted. We are all so much the better for it now that he is focusing his energy on what he does best — making music. After all, like the man said — music is the medicine.

Derek has been clean for two years now and is more creative, productive, and passionate than ever. Leaving his self-destructive chains at the crossroads, he can move freely with open eyes and a light spirit. The road ahead is long but clear, the sky is bright, and the sun is shining on this humble and larger than life guitar man. Derek Miller can now truly appreciate the journey.