Why Is Drug Addiction So Prevalent in Hollywood?
Drug addiction in Hollywood is a serious issue. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for addiction here.
Drug Addiction in Hollywood
For the most part, life as a celebrity seems glamorous and luxurious, with little to worry about. In reality, celebrities come under immense pressure from their fans and careers to the extent that some start using drugs as a getaway. Over time, addiction develops, affecting their relationships, careers, and lives.
What Is Drug Addiction?
Drug addiction is the uncontrollable urge to use legal or illegal drugs despite the consequences. At first, the effects of the substance may be pleasurable and enjoyable, but over time, the chronic or regular use gradually transforms into an addiction.
The majority of people with substance addiction tend to hide their condition and prefer not to be vocal about it. However, it’s important to know that addiction is a powerful and complex condition, not a lack of willpower or morality.
Impact of Addiction on Celebrities
Between 1970 and 2015, more than two hundred celebrities died as a direct result of drug use.1 Most of these celebrities died young, averaging between the age of twenty-five and forty, with a fair share dying at twenty-seven, which gave rise to the “27 Club.” Compared to the twentieth century, drug-related deaths among celebrities have increased mainly due to the growing consumption of prescription opioids.2
So, why is drug addiction so prevalent in Hollywood? Well, this post looks to answer this question, including why there are so many celebrities with drug problems as well as treatments and medication available for celebrities dealing with substance abuse.
What Drugs Lead to Addiction?
Many substances can lead to addiction, both legal and illegal. Drugs are classified into five distinct schedules depending on the drug’s acceptable medical use, consumption, and addiction potential.
The most dangerous substances and considered Schedule I drugs (e.g., heroin, LSD, marijuana), as they have a high potential for abuse and no known medical use. Similarly, Schedule II drugs (e.g., hydrocodone, methamphetamine, fentanyl) have a high potential for abuse and dependency. Schedule V drugs (e.g., cough medicine with less than 200 mg of codeine, Lyrica, Motofen) have the least potential for abuse and contain a small amount of narcotics.3
How Common Is Drug Addiction?
How Might Drug Addiction Affect Me?
Given the prevalence of drug use in America, you will feel its effects whether you have an addiction or not. If someone you know is struggling with drug use, it can take a toll on you and your relationship with that person. Watching someone you care about struggle with a substance use disorder is never easy.
In addition, rising drug use can affect the community in terms of rising crime and homelessness.
What Are the Symptoms of Drug Addiction?
Drug addiction symptoms can be psychological, physical, and behavioral. Knowing the symptoms of drug addiction can be an effective warning for yourself or others and is also the first step toward getting help.
Fortunately, many characteristics of addiction are easy to spot, and most drugs share the same symptoms, making it easier. The following are some common symptoms associated with drug abuse:
- Bloodshot eyes and looking tired
- Changes in appetite, usually eating less
- Changes in physical appearance
- Craving drugs
- Difficulty completing tasks at work, school, or home
- Engaging in risky behaviors, despite knowing the harmful consequences
- Inability to reduce or control drug use
- Issues with money
- Weight loss
Why Is Drug Addiction So Prevalent in Hollywood?
In Hollywood, no one is immune to drug use, from celebrities such as Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe to players behind the scenes such as producers, directors, and camera crews. However, celebrities helped shape the culture of drug use in Hollywood and the world at large by romanticizing drugs in their roles. The illusion that one could consume heavy amounts of drugs and still succeed in whatever they were doing without any negative repercussions had a lot of influence over a lot of people, especially the youth.
Additionally, due to the social nature of their work, most celebrities spend significant amounts of time interacting with people at events, parties, or clubs. According to insiders, these events present an opportunity for celebrities to link up with people who can provide desired substances.
Why Are There So Many Celebrities With Drug Problems?
Most people think that celebrities have a high prevalence of drug addiction because they have the funds and access to most drugs. While this is true, celebrity drug use disorder is mainly associated with personal mental issues, such as stress, anxiety, depression, etc. The easy access to drugs and money only makes matters worse.
Additional Factors Leading to Addiction in Hollywood
Here are some additional reasons why so many celebrities have drug problems:
- Highly competitive and stressful industry
- Pressure from the outside world
- Frequent harsh criticism
- Constantly being in the spotlight and having limited privacy
- Child stars thrown into an adult world
- Peer pressure
What Are Treatments for Drug Addiction?
Fortunately, there are different treatments available for people suffering from substance addiction. Treatment options range from medical intervention to non-medical treatments, such as therapy and lifestyle adjustments.
It is important to note that abruptly stopping substance use can result in intense withdrawals, making the addiction treatment unbearable. Additionally, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for drug addiction, so it is highly recommended to seek help from medical professionals to develop a personalized drug addiction treatment plan.
With that, here are the three main common treatments for drug addiction:
Detoxification
Detoxification is the process of eliminating drugs from the body and is usually the first step toward drug addiction recovery. The detox process varies depending on the substance, duration, frequency, and amount abused.
Due to the possible severe withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures, increased heart rate and blood pressure, intense cravings, and psychosis, detoxing at a medical facility is crucial. Medical professionals will ensure the safety of each patient and prescribe medication to ease symptoms as needed.
Medication-Assisted Therapies
Therapy is an excellent way of helping individuals set to achieve and empower short-term objectives as they work toward drug addiction recovery. In many cases, doctors will prescribe medication to help alleviate side effects of substance abuse, reduce drug cravings, and treat other possible conditions.
Behavioral Therapies
Behavioral therapy concentrates on how thoughts and beliefs influence action, mood, and behavior. Addiction unfolds over time and develops as a result of an altered reward system; behavioral therapy focuses on changing the person’s behavior by teaching skills that help them cope better with thoughts that lead to drug abuse or relapse.
What Medications Are Available to Help With Drug Addiction?
For long-term addiction, psychological treatment options such as therapy are not as effective in dealing with withdrawal symptoms that emerge immediately after stopping consumption. To that end, doctors might prescribe some medications that will make the process a bit bearable.
It is important to note that only professional licensed health practitioners are allowed to prescribe drug addiction medications because some of the medicines could be addictive. The following includes common medications prescribed to help treat various drug addictions:
Conclusion
While it’s a factor, easy access to money and drugs is not the only reason behind the prevalent use of drugs in Hollywood. Celebrities are also human and go through the struggles most people go through on a daily basis. Drug use usually starts as a coping mechanism before evolving into a full-blown addiction.
Given Hollywood and celebrities’ influence on people, it’s only fitting that they cancel the culture associated with drug use in the industry. If you are struggling with substance abuse and need help, contact Essence Healthcare or visit our website today to learn about our programs and how to get started.
Resources
Questions About Treatment?
We are a patient-first substance abuse and mental health treatment facility located in Los Angeles, California. At Essence Healthcare, we provide different levels of care from detoxification to drug rehab aftercare. Our team is standing by to address your questions. Your call is confidential and no obligation is required.
