Why is Drug Addiction So Prevalent in Hollywood?
Drug addiction in Hollywood has been commonplace for decades now, but why is that? Read on to learn more.
What is Drug Addiction?
Drug addiction is a severe and chronic form of substance use disorder. With drug addiction, the body becomes accustomed to the effects of a substance. As a result, it can be uncomfortable or even dangerous in some instances to stop immediately, and the body has grown reliant upon the substance to function normally.1
In 2017, the United Nations estimated that around almost three hundred million people in the world had abused a substance at some point in their life. Although drug addiction is most common after multiple uses, as is the case with substance use disorder, it can also begin after only one use. 2
What Drugs Lead to Addiction?
Someone can develop a substance abuse disorder as the result of any type of drug that alters brain chemistry. 3The most common substances that do this are drugs that increase dopamine levels, a natural feel-good chemical found in the brain. This can produce euphoric effects, which can be addictive 4
How Common is Drug Addiction?
Substance use disorders are some of the leading causes for mental health disorders in the world. It’s estimated that around 10% of adults in America will experience a drug use disorder at some point in their life. 5The statistics and occurrences of drug addiction have increased in recent years. There are several possible reasons for this, ranging from increased accessibility to illicit substances to the new and unique hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
How Might Drug Addiction Affect Me?
Navigating drug addiction and substance use disorders can be difficult due to the negative and harmful effects of addiction. Addiction can impact your mental, physical, and even social health. Drug addiction can make it difficult to connect with the ones you love, and it can even damage relationships with friends and families, all while also posing major health risks.
Overall, drug addiction can increase the risk of other illnesses, pose a threat of long-term, or even permanent, damage, and create difficulty in your daily life. Recovery can also be difficult and take anywhere from a few months to years to fully complete.
What Are the Symptoms of Drug Addiction?
Drug addiction can manifest in many different forms. Many of the symptoms of drug addiction depend on the exact substance involved. An addiction to an illicit stimulant like methamphetamine may look different from an alcohol addiction. However, some of the symptoms of drug addiction that may be experienced may include:
- Bloodshot eyes and fatigue
- Changes in appetite, usually eating less
- Changes in physical appearance
- Cravings
- Difficulty completing tasks at work, school, or home
- Engaging in risky behaviors, despite knowing negative consequences
- Inability to reduce or control drug use
- Issues with money
- Weight loss
Why is Drug Addiction So Prevalent in Hollywood?
There are dozens, if not hundreds, of celebrities who have stepped forward and been open about their struggles with drug addiction and substance abuse. However, why is drug addiction so prevalent in Hollywood?
Hollywood and Drug Abuse
One of the main reasons that drug abuse is a prevalent concern in Hollywood and among celebrities is because of the unique stress of being a celebrity. It is easy to forget that being famous is still a career, and, as a result, it carries the same responsibility and stress as a regular job, as well as additional, unique situations.
Why Are There So Many Celebrities with Drug Problems?
The usual causes of drug addiction and related problems include genetics, poverty, and trauma. As a result, it can be difficult to understand how wealthy, successful celebrities struggle with substance use disorders. However, there is a dark side to fame that can make coping with daily stress difficult.
Celebrities experience daily unique stressors and complications that can negatively impact their mental health. This can lead to substance abuse as an unhealthy method of coping. Some of the major sources of stress and trauma in Hollywood include:
- Highly competitive and stressful industry
- Pressure from the outside world
- Frequent harsh criticism
- Constantly being in the spotlight and having limited privacy
- Child stars being thrown into an adult world
- Peer pressure
- Addiction to the high that they get from being in the spotlight
What Are Treatments For Drug Addiction?
Although drug addiction and substance use disorders can take a toll on your mental and physical health, as well as your relationships, recovery is possible. There are several different treatment options available to aid in your recovery from drug addiction, ranging from psychotherapy to holistic measures.
Therapy and/or Medication
Some of the most common forms of treatment for drug addiction include therapy and medication, both of which include drug detoxification. Drug detoxification, or drug detox, is a process in which the body is given time to naturally process, break down, and remove substances from the body in the form of waste. However, because of the withdrawal symptoms that can come along with drug detoxification, it is best done with the help of a medical professional.
Rehabilitation
One of the most common places for this is a rehabilitation center. This is why many individuals in Hollywood suffering from drug addiction take hiatuses to visit rehab, as it provides a safe place to recover. Medication is another beneficial way to manage and recover from drug addiction.
What Medications Are Available to Help With Drug Addiction?
There are several different medications available to help with drug addiction and substance use disorders. The exact type of medication you or a loved one will take will depend on the type of substance being abused.
For instance, when dealing with opioid use disorder or addiction, one of the medications available is known as buprenorphine. Buprenorphine is actually an opioid, but its effects are much milder than other opioids. As a result, how addictive it is overall is much lower than other substances, making it a good option for treating the discomfort of withdrawal or other health conditions while recovering from opioid use disorder.
There are also other medications available to block the active chemicals in other addictive substances, such as nicotine or alcohol. Although these won’t completely reduce the impact of substance use disorder or prevent withdrawal altogether, they can be a beneficial first step in receiving treatment and looking to recover from drug addiction.
Treatment for Addiction at Alta Centers
If you or your loved one is experiencing the struggles of addiction, it is important to know that you are not alone. At Alta Centers, we will equip you with the necessary tools and techniques to establish and maintain the long lasting wellness that you deserve.
