Hollywood is notorious for celebrities with addictions
In 2008, celebrity drug abuse and overdose stories dominated the media; from Michael Jackson’s fatal death due to a prescription drug addiction, to Heath Ledger’s tragic demise due to drugs such as OxyContin and Vicodin, to Tiger Woods’s extramarital problems stemming from drug abuse (Ambien and Vicodin) and sex addiction. Though many superstars that may succumb to the dangers and temptations of drugs, there are those who are able to recover and lead highly successful lives and careers, free from their former abuses. Here are 5 that have beaten their demons and shown that you can overcome your addictions.
Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore grew up in a family of actors and discovered drugs and partying early in her life. At 11, she became an alcoholic. When she was 12, she smoked marijuana. Cocaine entered her drug arsenal at the age of 13. She attempted suicide when she was 14. These signs point to another child actor spiraling towards a tragic end, but Barrymore entered an exclusive drug rehab and has since cleaned up her life. She’s one of America’s top actresses and has her own production company, which has created such film hits as Charlie’s Angels and 50 First Dates.
Robin Williams
The star of such family friendly movies as Mrs. Doubtfire and Patch Adams was once addicted to cocaine early in his comedic career and abused other drugs as well. He was a close friend of John Belushi. After Belushi died as a result of an overdose, Williams saw that as a wake up call to clean up. He entered into a drug treatment program and has since led a thriving, cocaine-free film career, complete with an Oscar for his role in Good Will Hunting.
Samuel L Jackson
Early in his acting career, Samuel L Jackson was an alcoholic and a cocaine addict. His drug problem affected his theater career and denied him the opportunity of performing in two shows (he was replaced) that moved onto Broadway. After overdosing, he went into rehab at the urging of his family and sobered up. He drew upon his experience with drugs in his first role after completing rehab, playing an addict in Spike Lee’s Jungle Fever. It earned him critical praise and awards and was the springboard for a long and prosperous film career, even receiving an Academy Award nomination for his role in Pulp Fiction.
Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Downey Jr. first smoked marijuana at the age of 6. He grew up in a household where drugs were easily accessible and developed a habit for cocaine and heroin, among others. A very talented actor with a promising career, Downey was arrested a few times and his addictions became the punch line for late night jokes. His addiction cost him his role in Ally McBeal and the opportunity to act in the film America’s Sweethearts. After the low point in his life resulting from his drug abuse, he entered rehab and quit his drug habit for good. Today, he is one of America’s biggest stars, simultaneously starring in two movie franchises in Iron Man and Sherlock Holmes.
Oprah Winfrey
It is difficult to fathom, but according to an ex-boyfriend, Oprah Winfrey was addicted to cocaine for many years at one point in her career. Randolph Cook alleges that she smoked crack cocaine regularly and was even under the influence while filming her television show. She had confessed on her show to using cocaine, but the extent of her usage was unknown. Of course, today, Oprah is one of the most highly-paid women in the world with a billion-dollar international brand recognized everywhere.
Get Help Today
It is shocking to look at these celebrities and their successful careers and see that they were under the control of drugs at some point in their lives. Help is possible and you can overcome your addiction and abuse of drugs just like them. It is the start of a new year and the there is no better time than today to begin your new life, free of dependency. Do so by calling us today at 866.235.6134.
- article by Khoi Nguyen
