Fallen Stars
By Mary Willis
Anyone who observed Elvis Presley in the last decade of his life knew he had a drug problem; a serious drug problem. The performer who was known as "The King" died on the floor of his bathroom on August 16, 1977 - he was 42 years old. The official cause of death was initially listed as "cardiac arrhythmia" Later, the truth emerged; Elvis Aaron Presley had died due to an overdose of prescribed medications. The following were found in his system at the time of death: Morphine, Demerol, Placidyl, Valium, Codeine, Ethinamate and Quaaludes. It could be argued that "back then" we were not as aware of the dangers of drug abuse; certainly "rehab" was not something commonly discussed. Still, one wonders what this performer might have achieved, had he lived. Unfortunately, we will never know. To compound this tragedy, society seems to have learned little from Elvis' death.
Acclaimed actor, River Phoenix (older brother of Joaquin Phoenix) died at age 23. Phoenix died from an overdose of heroin and cocaine (known as a speedball) on Halloween morning in 1993 on the sidewalk in front of the Viper Room - a Hollywood hot-spot. His brother and sister stood helplessly by (after dialing 911) and watched their sibling convulse and die. Film industry experts agreed that River Phoenix was an extraordinarily talented young actor, with a bright, bright future.
Model and actress, Anna Nicole Smith died in a Hollywood, Florida hotel room on February 8, 2007 at the age of 39. Smith was traveling with a nurse, who tried to revive her (using CPR) for more than fifteen minutes to no avail. EMT's continued CPR but were also unsuccessful. Autopsy results ruled her death was due to an accidental drug overdose of the sedative chloral hydrate. Chloral hydrate became lethal when mixed with other drugs found in the star's system: Klonopin, Ativan, Oxazepam and Valium - all benzodiazepines. None of the drugs was taken in sufficient amounts to cause death, but proved to be a lethal "cocktail". Anna Nicole was preceded in death by her son, Daniel - age 20. Visiting his mother and new baby sister, Daniel died on September 10, 2006. Daniel's death was also ruled an accidental overdose. Well-known pathologist, Dr. Cyril Wecht revealed the young man had succumbed to "a lethal combination of methadone, Zoloft and Lexapro. Daniel was taking three drugs and not a large dose of any single drug."
And the tragic list continues ... Actor Heath Ledger was found unconscious in his apartment in New York on January 22, 2008. Found at about 245p.m. efforts to resuscitate the Oscar-nominated star were unsuccessful. Heath Ledger was pronounced dead at 3:36 p.m., he was 28 years old. Toxicology reports revealed "Mr. Ledger died as a result of acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam and doxylamine" Cause of death was eventually listed as "accidental, resulting from the abuse of prescription medications." The drugs found in Ledger's system are commonly prescribed for insomnia, anxiety, depression, pain and cold symptoms. Ledger was the father of toddler, Matilda.
Many firmly believe Amy Winehouse (famed singer) is on the same path as Presley, Smith, Phoenix and Ledger. Ironically, Winehouse is best known for her hit song "Rehab". Ms Winehouse has been identified as suffering from depression, self-mutilation as well as an eating disorder. In August, 2007, the singer was hospitalized due to a reported overdose of heroin, ecstasy, cocaine, ketamine and alcohol. Winehouse's father, Mitch, has taken to reporting his daughter's illness and drug abuse to the media. According to Mr. Winehouse "It's the only way I can possibly help her". Mitch Winehouse has reported that Amy suffers from emphysema due to crack cocaine addiction and incessant cigarette smoking. The singer initially denied the reports, but did enter a rehabilitation facility (for a two-week program) in late January, 2008. In March, 2008, word was circulating that Winehouse had relapsed, the star's publicist denied this and said at the time "She's doing very well". By late April 2008, erratic behavior (including alleged assault) raised new concerns that Winehouse was abusing drugs again. This prompted her father to attempt to have his daughter committed to a mental health facility; his attempts were unsuccessful.
In June 2008, Amy Winehouse was admitted to the London Clinic for treatment of her lung ailment; she has since been released. Now being treated as an outpatient, Ms. Winehouse has been quoted as saying she is getting herself together "by eating loads of healthy foods, sleeping loads, playing my guitar, making music and writing letters to my husband every day". Will this be enough to save the fragile singer? Only time will tell. There has been no mention of her attending twelve-step meetings or getting other forms of treatment for her drug abuse.
Unfortunately, the world over seems to have quite an appetite for stories like these. Tabloids are sold in record numbers when a celebrity dies - particularly when the death is associated with drugs. What can be done to stop the madness? These are a few things worth strong consideration:
- Treating celebrities like anyone else abusing drugs. No more star treatment or a "slap on the hand" - they should be subject to the same consequences as the "average citizen."
- Doctors who knowingly over-prescribe addictive, potentially harmful drugs (including combinations of drugs) must also face legal consequences; including losing the ability to practice medicine if warranted
- Long-term treatment should be considered mandatory. Addiction experts agree that two-week programs (like the one Amy Winehouse participated in) are not likely to result in long-term recovery. Serious addicts may need in-house treatment for 3 months to 1 year, or more.
- Early intervention can be a key component to achieving recovery. People must be surrounded by others who truly care about their well-being. Producers, managers, etc. may be unlikely to recommend long-term treatment because of the revenue they stand to lose if the star cannot perform. Family and true friends will have a different perspective - valuing the star's health above profits.
Certainly the accolades given Amy Winehouse do her no favors; the industry has given her positive feedback for her self-destructive behaviors as if these are part of the "product" they are promoting. As long as such a lifestyle is rewarded, even admired, more stars will end up on the obituary pages.
As a society, perhaps we can all play a small role in stopping celebrity drug abuse by:
- Not attending concerts of performers who are known to be "using"
- Not buying recordings or seeing movies that feature addicted artists
- Not accepting addiction as an inevitable part of celebrity; it isn't
- Not buying tabloids that feature these stories
- Not accepting the "notion" that drug and or/alcohol addiction is somehow glamorous; it isn't
When all is said and done, it IS the addict's responsibility to seek treatment and to remain sober. We don't have to be voyeurs, however, standing on the side of the road waiting to see the inevitable crash.
