Many celebrities have succumbed to prescription drug abuse, whether they died of an accidental overdose or used prescription drugs combined with alcohol, or street drugs such as cocaine and heroin, the fact remains that prescription drug abuse is rampant. According to National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in 2008, 15.2 million Americans age 12 and older had taken a prescription medicine for non-medical purposes at least once in the year prior to being surveyed.
Is it little wonder that Michael Jackson, Dana Plato, Keith Moon, Anna Nicole Smith, Elvis Presley, Heath Ledger, DJ AM, Margaux Hemingway, Howard Hughes, and Marilyn Monroe, to name a few, have died because of prescription drug abuse?
If Brittany Murphy’s toxicology results are positive for drug abuse, she will be the latest in a long line of celebrities that could not break the habit of abusing pills. Several, including Burt Reynolds and Robbie Williams, have admitted to beating prescription drug abuse, but how many more are still battling this addiction in secret, often going from doctor to doctor to get their “fix”?
While many celebrities battle with stress and popularity, turning to street drugs as well as prescription drugs, millions of less famous are also battling their own problem with prescription drug abuse. In fact, prescription drugs are more commonly abused than cocaine, methamphetamine, or heroin. According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, marijuana is the only other drug that is more widely abused.
What can we do about this?
“Be aware that prescription drugs, while helpful when used correctly, can also be quite addictive,” comments Mary Rieser, Executive Director of The Atlanta Recovery Center. “Teach children that prescription drugs are dangerous and not to take them unless prescribed by a doctor. Be aware of the signs of drug abuse and get help if someone you know is addicted.
“Be safe in the New Year and get help if needed. No one needs to die from prescription drug overdoses if we look out for one another.”
