The respect that celebrities in Hollywood get is far more than the extent of recognition received by others who excel in their respective fields. Such a degree of acknowledgment may be overwhelming at times but celebrities should act responsibly as they are emulated by many.
The advent of social networking sites has made it easier for people, even in the remotest of places, to know what is happening in the lives of their favorite celebs. Thus, each and every news of Hollywood trickles down to cities and suburbs. Nothing remains hidden, even their tryst with opioids.
As addiction to prescription pain relievers has transcended all economic and cultural barriers in the U.S. Here, we take a look at Hollywood celebrities who have tread the dangerous path of opioid addiction.
1. Nicole Richie: Not a novice to the flip side of glamor and fame, reality star and daughter of famous singer Lionel Richie grabbed eyeballs for all the wrong reasons in 2006. Apprehended for driving the wrong way down a highway in California, Richie was found to be under the influence of the common painkiller Vicodin. Though she argued her way through for having the painkiller to alleviate cramps she experienced during her menstrual cycle, the much acclaimed American fashion designer, author, actress and television personality was known to have abused other substances as well. Her pregnancy, after a brief period of time, coerced her to mend her ways while seeking the necessary treatment to beat her substance dependence habits.
2. Winona Ryder: A well-known American actress and a celebrated icon with two Oscar nominations, Ryder’s name hit the headlines in 2001 when she was detained for shoplifting clothing and accessories worth $5000. The shoplifting charges sent shockwaves throughout the industry. The authorities while searching her person, also found eight different painkillers and a syringe in her purse.
The actress was later sent to probation and community service after being charged with stealing. During the course of the investigation, it was found that the actress had managed to get access to prescription drugs including Valium and Diazepam, using the sobriquet Emily Thompson.
3. Matthew Perry: Well-known Canadian-American actor Matthew Langford Perry rose to fame for his role as Chandler Bing on the long-running NBC television sitcom “Friends.” The star was known to battle substance abuse problems. Perry spoke at length about his addiction to prescription painkillers in a Larry King interview in August 2002. The actor confessed, “I got into a serious problem with painkillers, a painkiller called Vicodin. And that was mostly just to not drink as much as I was. I was getting too hung over, so I tried other things that would try to balance me out.”
The actor decided to get rid of his addiction issues and checked himself into a rehabilitation center in 1997 to be relieved of his dependence habits. Feeling proud to have taken the necessary step of seeking treatment, the actor admitted that his battle with addiction to painkillers is long over and he is busy focusing on his new film.
Considering the idea of recovery
It is not easy to accept one’s habit of addiction. A lot of support from family and friends goes into convincing a person to seek expert advice or the necessary treatment. While addictive habits may be hard to get rid of, in the initial phase, due to painful withdrawal symptoms and tendency to relapse, innovative methods available today can help gain control over undesirable habits to misuse drugs.
If you know someone who is addicted to prescription medications, seek help from the prescription drug abuse treatment centers immediately. Contact the Prescription Drug Abuse Helpline to learn more about prescription drug abuse treatment clinics. Call at our 24/7 helpline number 866-450-1557 or chat online to get immediate help regarding any prescription drug abuse issues.