Bell died from an accidental drug overdose on mixing benzos and opiates. In addition, he was also on a type of muscle relaxer medication. His overdose faced complications by a chronic pulmonary disease and high blood pressure. This accidental celebrity overdose from prescription drugs is an unfortunate reality. Long before the start of the opioid epidemic in the U.S., celebrity overdoses and drug-related deaths took place. With that said, the number of people who die each day from an opioid overdose is unfathomable.
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- Elvis’ sudden death left many unanswered questions.
- And Barrett, R. Alice Cooper tells about his fight with alcoholism.
- We are dedicated to transforming the despair of addiction into a purposeful life of confidence, self-respect and happiness.
- Margot Kidder’s death was a self-inflicted overdose from consuming painkillers with alcohol.
The pressure on famous women, especially successful, affluent women, to maintain certain body standards can be harsh and relentless. Many of them develop body dysmorphia and eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. That’s why there are so many celebrities with depression and anxiety. What do Demi Lovato, Nicole Richie, Lady Gaga, Paula Abdul, Taylor Swift, and Alanis Morissette have in common?
Co-Occurring Addiction and Mental Health Issues in Celebrities
In 2010, she was forced by court order to wear an alcohol detection bracelet to monitor her alcohol consumption. In 2014, Lohan had a public relapse on her reality show, demonstrating how beating alcohol addiction is indeed an ongoing battle. Aside from her fame as Princess Leia in celebrities who died of alcoholism “Star Wars”, Carrie Fisher was also well-known for her public statements about her health and addictions. Barbara Payton had a promising career in the 1940s, but her hard drinking led her to lose out on many roles and she later had legal problems over check fraud and prostitution.
- Van Gogh featured his choice beverage in his famous painting Café Table With Absinthe.
- In 2008, he admitted publicly that he had a drinking problem.
Drug-Related Deaths – Notable Celebrities
Within two months, his family says, he was drinking again. He died in 2014 at 65 of “chronic alcoholism,” according to Lynda Moore, the couple’s daughter. Townes Van Zandt (March 7, 1944 – Jan. 1, 1997), was a singer and songwriter. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ Died of a heart attack after years of alcohol and drug abuse. James Hetfield (born Aug. 3, 1963) is a singer, songwriter and guitarist. He is an original member, lead singer, and rhythm guitarist of the band Metallica.
Progress is being made in the treatment of addiction. The rate of drug use among teenagers has been cut nearly in half since its peak 30 years ago. Drug courts are now common, and the criminal justice system has become the most powerful force in the country supporting addiction treatment. Education is the key—not only teaching youth about the health dangers of specific drugs but also teaching about the disease of addiction.
Celebrity Deaths Involving Drugs Or Alcohol
- In 2017, Ben Affleck, one of the most famous sober alcoholics, posted on Facebook that he had completed treatment for alcohol addiction.
- The singer Billie Holiday was a key influence in both jazz and popular music in the 1940s and 1950s, but this shining star lived a hard life.
- Within two months, his family says, he was drinking again.
- John Cassavetes began his career as an actor in such films as Rosemary’s Baby.
- The toxicology report showed that when Dunn crashed his blood alcohol level was over twice the legal limit.
- Richard Burton was a Welsh actor as famous for his personal life and hard living as he was for his acting.
Barbara Payton was once an aspiring actress whose promise was blighted by her problems with alcoholism and drug addiction. Elvis Presley, the undisputed king of rock and roll, had talent, charisma, fame, and money. Yet, he died unexpectedly at the age of 42 in the bathroom of his iconic mansion, Graceland, in Memphis, Tennessee. The toxicology report indicated polypharmacy with a total of 14 drugs found in his system. There’s no doubt that celebrities and accomplished people who are under stress are vulnerable to eating disorders, what with having to live in a goldfish bowl. This serious and potentially life-threatening illness comes in many forms and doesn’t spare anyone based on age, gender, or social status.
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Macklemore (born June 19, 1983) is a rapper and songwriter. Formerly “Professor Macklemore.” (Birth name Benjamin Hammond Haggerty.) Has relapsed but is sober. Musicians often work in settings conducive to drinking too much.
Peter Cook was an English comedian who had a successful career in British television and film. Veronica Lake was an actress best known for her femme fatale film roles. She was very successful initially, but her career quickly declined, in part due to her drinking.
Finally, treatment programs should address general wellness and factors leading to addiction, including poverty, lack of education, impaired mental health, and abuse. Famous as the original lead singer for Australia’s AC/DC, the Scottish-born Bon Scott lived the rock and roll lifestyle. Being admitted to the hospital for an overdose in 1975 didn’t stop him from excessive drinking and drug use. In 1980, Scott passed out in a friend’s car, later dying in the hospital from acute alcohol poisoning at the age 33.