We see it on the news and hear various speculations before anything is confirmed.
Over 70,200 Americans died from a drug overdose in 2017 alone and celebrities are no exception.1 Celebrity overdoses are a sad, but eye-opening event. While we should certainly mourn these lost stars, we can also learn from them.
Celebrities Who Died of Drug Overdoses
At Seaside Palm Beach, we know that drug overdoses can happen to anyone, including those in the spotlight. Our list of celebrities who died of overdose might just surprise you.
Amy Winehouse
First on our list of celebrity overdoses is Amy Winehouse who famously sang that she won’t go to rehab. This decision may have cost Amy her life. At the young age of 27, Amy died of alcohol poisoning. She also had a history of using illicit drugs like heroin, crack, cocaine, as well as smoking weed. While Amy tried and failed to become sober on her own, she neglected to get the professional addiction treatment that she needed.
Heath Ledger
At just 28, this Australian actor was found dead in his New York City apartment in 2008. After further investigation, the death was found to be an accident from an overdose of various prescription drugs. Looking back, it has been revealed the Heath’s fame was taking a toll on his mental health. Specifically, his role playing The Joker was said to keep him up at night.2 Struggling with how to cope, he often took sleeping pills, but in combination with other abused drugs, this led to a deadly combination. Holistic addiction treatment may have been able to help him address all of these issues.
Marilyn Monroe
Famous for her white dress and subway scene, this American icon had some dark secrets hidden underneath her beautiful exterior. She was found dead in her home in Los Angeles from an overdose of sedative drugs that she had been taking for depression. The death is a suspected suicide. Although she had contact with a psychiatrist, her depression, substance abuse, health problems, and possible bipolar disorder was too much for her.3 With proper dual diagnosis treatment including a mental health program and substance abuse help, Marilyn’s death may have been prevented.
Mac Miller
This late rapper struggled with substance abuse throughout his life. His fame seemed to exacerbate his issues when he began to experience depression and took various drugs to cope with his poor mental health. Eventually, Mac Miller died of an accidental overdose of fentanyl, alcohol, and cocaine. While he did attempt to remain sober, Miller frequently relapsed. Relapses can happen, but it is important to learn ways to prevent such instances and to avoid common drug triggers.
It is important to learn from these celebrity overdoses to better understand how dangerous addiction can be. Like most overdoses, these deaths are preventable. One good way to prevent this from happening to you or your loved one is to go to a luxury rehab that will help you overcome your addiction problems.
We create a comprehensive healing process to address the entire destruction left behind by your addiction. Whether you are struggling yourself from substance abuse or you are witnessing a suffering loved one, do not wait to get help. To learn more about our West Palm Beach rehab and how to start your sobriety journey, reach out to us at 561-677-9374.
Sources:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse- Overdose Death Rates
- People- The Dark Knight Turns 10: How the Joker Took a Toll on Heath Ledger Before His Death at 28
- PBS- Column: Marilyn Monroe and the prescription drugs that killed her
