The media is plastered with celebrities and their new current drug addictions. It is seen in people that are known and loved, such as Johnny Depp in the case of alcohol and Marilyn Monroe’s barbiturate overdose. Adorable childhood stars crumble behind the television sets, such as Lindsey Lohan with her coke and alcohol addiction or Macaulay Culkin in the case of Xanax and marijuana. Beautiful stars die under the curse of drugs, such as Brittany Murphy and her multiple drug overdose or Heath Ledger with his overdose of prescription drugs. The names strike anger hurt and pity in the hearts of fans all over the country until the question of “Why?” strikes each mind.
The relationship between celebrities and drug or alcohol abuse seems to be a recurring romance. Yet not all celebrities use drugs and alcohol. So is it brought about by fame or is it simply a coincidence?
Nothing is coincidence. Being a celebrity does not make someone turn to drugs and alcohol, it does, however, make it easier to do so. Celebrities are human despite their glowing demeanor. They go through hardships, breakups and emotional pain just like everyone else. What is often forgotten is the fact that there are thousands of drug addicts and alcoholics who are not in the spotlight and, therefore, not seen. Being famous is not what causes addiction. That being said, one must also realize that, for a celebrity, the world is at their fingertips. This causes drug possession to become a much easier task to accomplish.
Certain strength is required to make it as a famous celebrity. One must have the will to say no when they are being offered everything. Again, celebrities are human, so this does not always work.
Another thing to consider is the environments that celebrities subject themselves to. The hottest parties, backstage concerts and high end fashion shows all have their own back VIP rooms where drugs and alcohol flow like honey.
Fame can be a blinding experience. Alcohol and drugs are handed freely to celebrities around every corner. The answer to the questions of whether fame makes an addict can only be answered on an individual basis, is it their fault for subjecting themselves or is it someone else’s fault for giving it to them? There is no answer.
Celebrity drug or alcohol addiction is recurring and sad. Fame makes it easier and opens several doors but it is not the cause. The cause simply comes down to each individual choice.
