When celebrities are vocal about their struggles with addiction, there is a lot we can learn from their stories. We are reminded of the realities of human nature and of the extent of our pain, how difficult and debilitating it can be.
When a celebrity opens up about addiction, we are reminded that we are all human. None of us is immune to pain. Sometimes we assume that celebrities live charmed lives and that they are unaffected by the struggles the rest of us face. The truth is money cannot and does not guarantee happiness or peace. No amount of money can take away the inner turmoil that leads many of us to addictions. We all experience pain, we all have fears, and we all struggle with the inner demons that occupy our minds. We all have times where we feel weak and afraid, where our pain gets the better of us. We all are susceptible to addiction, and wealth and status can’t protect us from falling into it.
Celebrities are regularly dealing with intense scrutiny and criticism. They are living their lives under a microscope with the rest of us observing and judging everything that has been put on display for our entertainment. Fame can add incredible pressure, contributing to addictions and mental health issues. Celebrities can be bombarded with negative judgment, even hatred, the same way the rest of us can be, but on a magnified scale. It’s no wonder many of them resort to addictive substances and behaviors to cope. They, like the rest of us, often don’t have healthy coping mechanisms to handle the overwhelming difficulties of life.
Being hated can be a huge source of pain for people, and with the internet, more and more people are unleashing their own pain onto others as hatred, sometimes known as “trolling.” Viciously negative, disparaging, unkind, even cruel comments abound. We think of celebrities as being far removed from the rest of the world, but they see and hear things being said about them and it affects them in the same ways it would anyone else. They are sensitive and vulnerable too. Mac Miller, whose recent death by overdose at only 26 years old stunned people worldwide, spoke of the hatred spewed towards him, and it is very possible that it contributed to his wanting to drown out his pain with substances.
Addiction is a very difficult thing. We’re here to help. Call (800) 871-5440.