ERIC CLAPTON THANKS KARMA FOR BEING A DRUGS

Reformed COCAINE rocker ERIC CLAPTON's belief in the power of karma drove
him to spend $5 million on a luxury drug rehabilitation clinic in the
Caribbean.

The CROSSROADS centre on ANTIGUA opened in October last year (98) in
the aftermath of HURRICANE GEORGE.

Clapton - who has been off drinks and drugs himself for ten years - is
even considering enroling in a nine-month counsellor training course
at the HAZELDEN CENTRE in Minnesota, America.

He says, "It's been my experience that if I want to keep what I've got
I have to give it away."

"I did some volunteer work in England at the PRIORY TREATMENT CENTRE.
I found that I had - rather I was tod that I had - a particular gift
in working with people in recovery.

"It is also for very selfish reasons. It is really satisfying to see a
human being who is trouble turn around and get the help they need - it
is almost on par with playing live concerts. (RC/BF/GS)

{C:WorldEntertainment-0111.00381} 01/11/99