Time Magazine NewsFeed

Monday, January 16, 2012

Celebrity Drug Addiction

Drug addiction knows no boundaries and doesn’t pick or choose who it will affect. Celebrity drug addiction is commonplace today in the entertainment industry, and it is just spotlighted more because of the high profiles of today’s celebrities. It’s not uncommon to hear about another celebrity entering rehab for substance abuse. The list can read like a Who’s Who of Hollywood.

Just like people who are not in the limelight, celebrities deal with different stresses in their lives. The difference is that their stresses are much greater in general than everyday people. They have to deal with paparazzi, managers, critics, the media, and every word they say is noted and commented on.

There is a lot of insecurity in the world of fame and fortune. When celebrities feel that insecurity so strongly, they look for a way out, an escape from their problem – that escape is often drugs. That’s not even taking into consideration the price that comes with sudden fame.

When celebrities go from being everyday people to being thrust into the spotlight, they often have trouble adjusting. Leading a private life doesn’t become an option as their every move is followed and their rises and falls are noted sometimes with scorn from fans.

There’s something that goes along with celebrity in that many stars feel as if they’re almost immune to the possibility of becoming addicted to drugs. It’s a matter of having so much money, they figure, “Why not, I won’t get addicted”. Being a celebrity is a hugely stressful career choice and actually, they are more prone to drug addiction because of that stress.

Celebrity drug addiction is really no different from non-celebrity drug addiction. It is just as serious and just as hard to quit. That is why so many celebrities are seeking out rehab treatment centers in an attempt to beat their habit. Places like Promises and The Betty Ford Clinic are overflowing with celebrity patients seeking to overcome their addiction.

The good news is that with celebrity drug addiction becoming so common, more people are less afraid to seek out help for their addictions. They recognize that if the people they look up to – celebrities – can fall victim to drug addiction, so can they. And if those same people are brave enough to be treated for that drug addiction, they can be strong as well.

The Harder They Fall: Celebrities Tell Their Real Life Stories of Addiction and Recovery

No comments:

Post a Comment