Anyone who has ever struggled with addiction knows that it can be a deadly disease. Unfortunately, many celebrities have lost their lives to alcohol and drug abuse. It’s a sad reality. Despite their fame and fortune, they couldn’t escape the addiction that caused their death. Ranging from musicians to actors to models, these stars all battled with alcoholism or drug abuse before ultimately losing the fight.
This blog post is dedicated to those famous people who tragically passed away due to addiction. It will take a look at some of these celebrities, and provide insight into their addictions and how these ultimately led to their deaths. May they rest in peace.
Mac Miller
Mac Miller was a famous artist in his own right but many people famously know of him as the ex-boyfriend of pop superstar Ariana Grande. So what was Mac Miller’s cause of death?
Mac Miller or Malcolm James McCormick died of a drug overdose in his home in Los Angeles in 2018. The rapper’s death was said to be caused by a combination of substances including cocaine, alcohol, and fentanyl.
What is alarming in Mac Miller’s death is that the drug dealer who sold him the drug admitted that he intentionally and knowingly sold counterfeit oxycodone to the rapper that contained fentanyl.
Oxycodone is an opioid prescription painkiller that has been used as a recreational drug. When it became more difficult to get opioids, many people turned to illicit drug dealers to get their fix. The problem is that these street opioids are often counterfeit versions that contain other substances like fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine that’s why a minute amount may cause an overdose.
Hopefully, Mac Miller’s death served as a warning to recreational users regarding illicit prescription drugs from untrusted sources.
Heath Ledger
After watching some of his old movies, you might be wondering: How did Heath Ledger die? The actor who starred as Joker in Batman films as well as in romantic comedies was found dead in his apartment in New York City back in 2008.
According to reports, the death of the 28-year old actor was caused by an overdose of anti-anxiety drugs, sleeping pills, and prescription painkillers.
Amy Winehouse
British singer Amy Winehouse was found dead in her apartment in London in 2011. The artist, who had a history of substance abuse, died of alcohol poisoning. According to findings, the singer’s blood alcohol content when she died was five times the legal limit.
Philip Seymour Hoffman
Philip Seymour Hoffman was an Oscar-winning actor who died of a drug overdose at the age of 46. In 2014, the actor was found in his apartment in New York City with a needle in his arm.
According to reports, the death was caused by a combination of cocaine, heroin, and other drugs that the actor took.
Cory Monteith
Cory Monteith was well known as an actor in the popular teens series Glee. At age 31, he was found dead in a hotel room in Vancouver in 2013. The actor was known to have struggled with substance abuse and checked into rehab several times. His death was caused by overdosing on alcohol and heroin.
Whitney Houston
Popular singer Whitney Houston passed away at the age of 48 due to a drug overdose. In 2012, she was found dead in a bathtub with bottles of prescription medicines scattered in her hotel room. According to reports, Houston took a combination of drugs including Xanax, marijuana, Flexeril, and cocaine.
River Phoenix
In 1993, 23-year old River Phoenix had five seizures and died outside a club in West Hollywood. His seizures were caused by a combination of heroin and cocaine.
Anna Nicole Smith
Anna Nicole Smith died of an accidental drug overdose in 2007. The death of the 39-year old actress was caused by an overdose of benzodiazepines and chloral hydrate.
Chris Farley
Comedian Chris Farley died in 1997 from a drug overdose. The 33-year old Saturday Night Live comic’s death was caused by an overdose of cocaine and morphine.
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson, known all over the world as the King of Pop, died of cardiac arrest. According to reports, the cardiac arrest resulted from intoxication from benzodiazepines and Propofol.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, help is available.
Contact Morningside Recovery by Lighthouse today.