According to the latest survey by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 22.7 million people in the United States have a drug or alcohol problem. The US has incurred immense expenditure to control drug abuse and provide rehabilitation to addicts. But despite all efforts, drug addiction is on the rise. Over the last 50 years, people have gone from using something as mild as marijuana to extremely harmful drugs such as METH, LSD, cocaine, and heroin.
Factors That Cause Drug Addiction in Celebrities
Millions of people lose their lives because of a drug overdose, but the deaths that catch our attention the most are those of celebrities. One may think that celebrities with all their wealth and fame have no reason for depression. But that’s far from the truth. In fact, the challenges in the showbiz world are perhaps much greater than those in other professions.
Intense Scrutiny
Because celebrities have a fanbase, every aspect of their lives comes under intense scrutiny. They have to put up with the pressures of always looking good, speaking what is appropriate, and doing what is the ‘right’ thing to do. All this sets unrealistic standards and expectations that celebrities struggle to live up to. No one has a perfect lifestyle and when every little aspect of life is blown out of proportion it can add a lot of stress.
Keeping Up Appearances
The media and fans tend to believe that celebrities are public property. Hence, they are constantly expected to serve as role models. This need to please and be proper all the time blurs the line between their private and professional lives. Celebrities quit eating what they crave, are unable to socialize like regular people, and fail to keep their personal matters private. Since they operate in a highly competitive environment, the slightest drop in ratings could mean losing a life-changing opportunity.
Money Giving Easy Access to Drugs
The enormous wealth that celebrities have is also another factor behind drug usage in showbiz. Excessive wealth means you have easy access to a lot of things, and that includes drugs. When something is easily within reach, one is tempted to try it without taking into account the negative effects it can lead to.
Emotional Rollercoaster
The life of stardom is usually a short one, celebrities may find themselves at the pinnacle of fame one day and pushed into oblivion the very next day. This is bound to take an emotional and psychological toll on a person who is used to so much attention.
Some Examples
The combined effect of fame, money, anxiety, and drugs has always turned out to be lethal. From the talented singer Amy Whinehouse or the marvelous actor like Heath Ledger, many artists have lost their lives due to drug overdose and/or a combination of drugs. In many cases, it has been difficult to conclude whether the overdose was accidental or suicidal/intentional.
History is also packed with examples of brilliant people who resorted to drugs but did not end up as drug casualties. People like Sigmund Freud, Paul Edros, William Steward Halsted, and many others are known to use drugs in limited quantities.
Having said that, the examples of celebrity drug addictions gone bad are just too many. These addictions have often culminated in suicide, attempted suicide, prison, broken families, or a non-functional life routine. The refuge that these celebrities sought actually became their undoing. These include names like Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Prince, Whitney Houston, and the list keeps going.
How to Control Drug Abuse in Showbiz
To control drug abuse in general, it is important to start from the showbiz industry. That’s because celebrities are opinion leaders. The way they behave has a big influence on the behavior of the masses. Fans, especially young ones, look up to their idols and try to follow them in every aspect of life. Therefore, it is as important to address the psychological health of celebrities as it is to control the drug supply.
Responsibility of Celebrities
Celebrities should come forward and discuss the disastrous effects of drugs openly. Those artists who have successfully rehabilitated and turned their life around should share their experiences. By doing so, they could motivate and inspire other people facing these challenges.
Responsibility of Fans
The responsibility of controlling drug abuse doesn’t solely rest on the shoulders of the government and celebrities. Fans should also be empathetic and support their stars when they are going through a rough patch. They need to understand that celebrities need their private space and as fans, one must respect that.
Responsibility of Media
Also, the media needs to stop portraying drugs as the ‘in’ and ‘cool’ thing to do. The unnecessary glamorization of drugs in movies, TV shows, and music videos leads to acceptance of this wrong and harmful practice. Therefore, the media should use the platform to educate people about the harmful effects of drug usage, especially when it comes to celebrities. Instead of harassing, body shaming, and ridiculing celebrities, it should play a supportive role and bring out the best in people who are loved by the masses.
