The celebrity culture has become a national obsession in the United States. As times get tough economically, people seek refuge in the stories of the rich and famous living the so-called “good life” in their mansions near Los Angeles and Hollywood. This attention reaches a whole new level when celebrities are reportedly struggling with drug addiction or substance abuse.
While the past few decades have seen one drug or another become popular among the jet set, recently there has been a steady rise in the number of prescription drug addiction cases among the celebrity elite.
Whether it is stimulant use to help individuals work and party longer and harder or opioid painkillers to escape the pain and pressure of constantly being in the spotlight, prescription drug abuse has become a significant problem in the U.S. and around the world.
Despite being vulnerable to substance use disorders themselves, celebrities are cultural influencers. Their actions draw people toward healthy or unhealthy lifestyles. The more popular the stars, the more sway they have over their fans and the general public.1
Celebrities with Prescription Drug Addictions
At least 220 celebrities have died with a clear indication of substance abuse or overuse between 1970 and 2015. The average age of these stars at the time of death? 38.6 years old. 75% of them are male. Prescription opioids are the most significant contributor to the sharp rise in drug-related deaths among high-profile figures.1
Some of the most notable cases of celebrity prescription drug addiction in recent years include:
Prince
Rock superstar Prince died at his Paisley Park home in Minnesota in April 2016 of what the medical examiner called a self-administered overdose of fentanyl – one of the most powerful of all opioids. His life and talent ended far too soon, at just 57 years of age.
Philip Seymour Hoffman
Oscar-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman died in 2014 from a mixture of the opioid heroin and cocaine, benzodiazepines and amphetamines. He was 46 years old at the time of his death.2
Michael Jackson
Acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication was found to be the cause of Michael Jackson’s death in 2009. His entire life spent under the microscope of celebrity, Jackson was 50 years old.3
Heath Ledger
Oscar-winning actor Heath Ledger was found unconscious in his New York apartment in 2008 at age 28 – in the prime of his acting career. The medical examiner’s office declared his death to be due to an accidental overdose of painkillers, sleeping pills, anti-anxiety medication and other prescription drugs. Specifically, acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam, and doxylamine.
Brittany Murphy
Actress Brittany Murphy, 32, was found dead in her Los Angeles home as a result of a heart attack in 2009. But that wasn’t the whole story this charming young actress. A coroner’s report blamed intoxication from use of multiple drugs, including a combination of prescription vicoprofen (a painkiller) and over-the-counter cold medications.
Greg Giraldo
Lawyers are usually the butt of jokes, but Greg Giraldo ditched a legal career to become a Comedy Central favorite, loved for his dry wit and sharp tongue. Giraldo died of a prescription drug overdose at 44 in 2010.4
…And the List Goes On
Among other celebrity substance abuse confessors, Zac Efron completed a rehab program in 2013 without the media even knowing about it. But the actor is now speaking out about his drug and alcohol abuse. “It’s a never-ending struggle,” the 26-year-old told The Hollywood Reporter. 5
What Can We Learn From Celebrities with Prescription Drug Addictions?
Celebrities, despite their high-profile careers, are human beings. They can suffer from the same emotional and physical problems and be just as susceptible to drug addiction as anyone else.
Those who get help and share their stories with the public are actually performing an important public service. Through their tales of drug abuse and addiction, others can gain a better understanding of the dangers of Vicodin, OxyContin and a host of other addictive medications.
Michael’s House offers a residential rehab program that can help individuals from all walks of life overcome their prescription drug addictions. Call 760.548.4032 anytime – day or night – for more information from people who really care and know how to effectively treat all mental health conditions.
Sources
1 “Drug-related Celebrity Deaths: A Cross-sectional Study.” Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, Volume 11. 2016. Accessed 5 November 2017.
2 “Celebrities Who Died from Painkillers, Cocaine, and Heroin.” CNN. 25 April 2017. Accessed 5 November 2017.
3 “Celebrities Who Have Died from Addiction.” USA Today. 2 June 2016. Accessed 5 November 2017.
4 “Celebrity Prescription Overdoses.” CBS News. 2017. Accessed 5 November 2017.
5 “Zac Efron and Other Celebs We Didn’t Know Battled Addiction.” CNN Entertainment. 18 September 2013. Accessed 5 November 2017.
