Call it crazy, but just last night I was watching youtube videos and reading matter about drug addictions and their effects on people, the ghastly images of people using drugs. Then I hear in the morning that Philip Seymour Hoffman, an Oscar winning actor, four times nominated, dies at the age of 46. Suspected drug overdose, because he was found, unconscious and unresponsive, on the bathroom floor with a needle sticking from his arm!
What is it with people who use drugs? They are well aware of the consequences, before they take their first snort. I think it is the “I can handle myself, I never get addicted” line of thinking. But they do get addicted. And even after getting addicted they know that the path they have chosen doesn’t have a happy ending. What gets them started then?
I don’t think poor upbringing is a reason. A lot of people with less than ideal backgrounds have found stability in their later lives. The onus must lie on the users themselves.
Hoffman, was a man who had a great family. A partner who stayed with him and loved him for eighteen long years. Two lovely daughters and a son. All of whom he left behind, confused and probably at risk of themselves using at a later date.
People who use often go to great extent to satisfy their craving. The narcotics render their minds not alert enough for regular day jobs, though often when they start out they do have well paying day jobs. They often resort to peddling, begging, thievery and prostitution to pay for their substances.
It is sad really, people who should be setting an example for others are the ones who end up setting a bad example.
Here are some other celebrites who died of substance abuse.
JIM MORRISON
JIMI HENDRIX
JUDY GARLAND – THE WIZARD OF OZ
ELVIS PRESLEY
CHRIS FARLEY
WHITNEY HOUSTON
HEATH LEDGER
MARILYN MONROE
AMY WINEHOUSE -before and after
This is the sad reality. Google for drug users before and after pictures and you will see the haggard realities of previously beautiful people with promising futures.
Substance abuse is an epidemic which is not going away as long as people and more importantly youngsters continue to believe that it is okay to use once. That they won’t get addicted.
They do. Always.
Sadly.
Mind Brew 