Many addicts do not survive relapse. Call on your elected leaders to create laws that punish those who sell drugs to known addicts. Once an addict commits to rehab, that person is ready to let go of addiction. But really letting go takes years, not days. Keep the drug dealers away from vulnerable people trying to recover. We must draw the line if we want to save those we love.
- Alexandra Datig
It is not planned that we be brought into this world as hardcore drug addicts and chronic alcoholics. We learn how to become addicts by the example of others who may not be aware of the sometimes fatal consequences of drug and alcohol abuse. We may learn about addiction at home by example of our parents or we may have idols we looks up to for leadership or creative inspiration. We also learn about drug use and alcohol abuse by hearing stories of reckless behavior and self destructive actions which lead to some from of "liberation." This "liberation" helps us "justify" why we should also use drugs, pushing some of us over THE EDGE.
Once addiction is noticeable to the general public, chances are an addiction is already well in progress. Asking the addict to quit at this juncture is sometimes impossible. Only two celebrities on this list made it past the age of 57; most died while in their 20's, 30's and 40's. Each one of these incredibly talented people, whose creative and disciplined craft is still admired worldwide, was at one time somebody's baby, son or daughter, father or mother, sweetheart, friend, neighbor or business associate. Addiction changed all of those relationships, because addiction does not have any friends and only knows heartbreak.
There is a likelihood that at one time, before addiction became full-blown, each one of these Fallen Angels did not think fatal consequences would apply to his or her usage; that there was a safe way to go about using, and in some cases with the consent of his or her physician. Some thought they could safely self-dose and be fine, while others did not understand that their body could no longer tolerate the heavy load. All of them died for the same reason. No one could help them because they thought they were not in danger and no one was there to stop them. As a result, they all lost their lives.
The lesson the general public must learn is that addicts cannot be saved in the same way we saved those who are injured. Although addicts suffer like those who are injured, addicts remain obsessed with the injury while regular people want to heal and get on with life. Addicts do not want to be saved because we believe that eventually we can save ourselves. One of the main forces, driving our addictions is that we think; no matter what we have accomplished in our life or how big our dreams are, we are constantly haunted by the thought that we are not good enough for anyone and that this is our fault. This is the standard we hold ourselves to. We do not feel the same emotions as others do and we are well aware that we are failing in life as this is constantly on our minds. We are wrong when we say we can "handle our high." If we are going to be stopped from hurting ourselves, our friends and loved ones must kindly, gently but most certainly intervene with the help of trusted and reliable professional guidance without delay and we must never give up hope.
- Alexandra Datig
Whitney Houston, 48 |
Cause of death pending | 1963 - 2012 |
|---|---|---|
Mikey Welsh, 40Bass & Vocals, Weezer/ Painter |
Drug overdose | 1970-2011 |
Official website |
The Boston Globe has called Welsh's artwork "manic, edgy, and masculine...Welsh handles his brush confidently, and his paintings read as if he sliced open a metaphorical vein and poured blood and soul onto the canvas." | |
Jani Lane, 47Singer, Warrant |
Alcohol poisoning | 1964 - 2011 |
| Career: Jani's Bio | Official website |
Lani's brother, a talented and popular 13-year old in the music world, bought him his first drum set at the age of 6. |
Amy Winehouse, 27Vocalist, "Rehab" |
Amy bought marijuana, extacy and cocaine on the day of her death. - MyFoxLA | 1983 - 2011 |
Career: IMDB page |
Official website |
Amy Winehouse was a five-time Grammy winner. |
Ryan Dunn, 34Star of "Jackass" |
After having 11 drinks, driving drunk with a blood alcohol level of 0.196% (more than twice the legal limit of .08), resulting in a fatal car crash at speeds between 130 to 140 mph. | 1977 - 2011 |
Ryan Dunn's IMDB page |
Friend remembers Ryan Dunn's last moments: |
"He first came into public attention while appearing in four videos alongside his friends in the CKY Crew, which stood for "Camp Kill Yourself" |
Jeff Conaway, 61 |
Prolonged addiction and repeated relapse to pain medication | 1950 - 2011 |
Jeff Conaway IMDB Page |
Jeff Conaway Memorial Page |
Conaway began acting on Broadway at age two. |
Mike Starr, 44Basist, "Alice in Chains" |
Lethal combination of methadone and anti-anxiety medication | 1966 - 2011 |
Website: Alice in Chains |
Friends reflect on Mike's tragic passing |
In 2002, Mike held bandmate Layne Staley in his arms when he died from a cocaine and heroin overdose. |
Perry Moore, 29Producer, "Chronicles of Narnia" |
Suspected overdose of OxyContin (pending final toxicology report) | 1982 - 2011 |
WebBlog: |
IMDB page: www.imdb.com | The night before he died, Moore told his father that he had just secured financing for a fourth Narnia movie. |
Greg Giraldo, 44Comedian |
Prescription drug overdose | 1965 - 2010 |
Website: Greg Giraldo |
Greg's Facebook Page | He went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Columbia University, and a law degree from Harvard Law School. |
Corey Haim, 38Actor |
Corey Haim was in and out of rehab 17 times |
1971 - 2010 |
| Website: Corey Haim Career: www.imdb.com |
www.coreyhaim.us | “He always had his talent. He always had his skill. And he always tried to be the best person he could.” - Corey Feldman |
Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan, 28Avenged Sevenfold, Drummer |
combined effects of four drugs: oxycodone, oxymorphone, diazepam/nordiazepam and ethanol |
1981 - 2009 |
Bio Page Wikipedia: |
www.avengedsevenfold.com | The Rev obtained his first pair of drum sticks at the age of five, and received his own drum set at the age of ten. |
Brittany Murphy, 32Actor |
Community acquired pneumonia and possible fatal drug combination, resulting in cardiac arrest Brittany Murphy acquired hundreds of prescription pills prior to her death and was also cut off by a pharmacy for submitting excessive prescriptions - TMZ |
1977 - 2009 |
| Brittany Murphy profile page | www.westlord.com | "2 Day we lost a piece of sunshine..." - Ashton Kutsher |
Adam Goldstein /D.J. AM, 36Celebrity DJ |
Accute intoxication, Cocaine and prescription drugs | 1973- 2009 |
| Website: DJ AM | www.djam.com | "I have a great deal of faith that everything happens for a reason. I put myself in God's hands." Adam Goldstein |
Michael Jackson, 50The King of Pop |
Heart attack, accidental prescription drug overdose | 1958 - 2009 |
| Website: Michael Jackson | www.michaeljackson.com | "I just want to say, ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine. I just want to say I love him so much." Paris Jackson |
Billy Mays, 50Pitch Man |
Fatal dosage of cocaine combined with heart disease | 1958 - 2009 |
| Tribute Webpage: Billy Mays | www.billymays.net | Orange Glow, Oxy Clean |
Brad Renfro, 26Actor, "The Client" |
Heroin overdose | 1982 - 2008 |
| Career: IMDB Page | Brad's last interview | "Stay away from the party scene." - Brad Renfro |
Heath Ledger, 28Actor, "The Dark Knight" |
Accidental death, combined prescription drug intoxication | 1972 - 2008 |
| Website: Heath Ledger | www.heathledger.net | Won more than 39 Talent Awards Nominated for 27 Talent Awards |
Ike Turner, 76Singer, Band Leader, Record Producer |
Cocaine overdose, high blood pressure | 1931 - 2007 |
| My Space page: Ike Turner | www.myspace.com | "While playing as a house pianist in West Memphis "blacks only" blues clubs, Ike often snuck In a young white truck driver to sit next to the piano to study Ike's boogie style and dance moves: that kid was Elvis Presley." My Space |
Anna Nicole Smith, 39Playboy Playmate |
Lethal combination of prescription drugs | 1967 - 2007 |
Tribute Web Page: Anna Nicole Smith |
www.annanicole.com | "The most loving feeling I ever experienced was when I was pregnant with my son Daniel." Anna Nicole Smith |
Daniel Smith, 20Producer, Director |
Lethal combination of prescription drugs | 1986 - 2006 |
| Tribute to Daniel Smith | YouTube Video by QV33 | CNN transcript, Larry King on the the passing of Daniel: |
Chris Penn, 40Actor |
Eating disorder, heart disease and prescription drugs | 1965 - 2006 |
| Chris Penn IMDB page: | www.imdb.com | "I think he was a size of soul that nobody else had, and this isn't a brother talking. All you need to do is watch the ironically titled The Funeral that my brother Christopher was in. It's a piece of work that always inspired in me. I mean, he was a size of talent and a size of person that I don't think anybody else had." Sean Penn |
Gerald Levert, 40R&B Singer |
Accidental combination of prescription drugs | 1966 - 2006 |
| Wikipedia page: Gerald Levert | www.wikipedia.com | "In his early 20s, Mr. Levert launched a separate career as a songwriter and record producer, and he was responsible for more than 15 No. 1 songs by other artists. He received a Grammy nomination for writing "Practice What You Preach," which was a No. 1 hit for Barry White. He also worked with Patti LaBelle, Anita Baker, Stephanie Mills, James Ingram, Teddy Pendergrass and the O'Jays." Matt Shudel, November 2006 |
Russell Jones, 35Rapper, Wu-Tang Clan "Ol Dirty Bastard" |
Overdose, cocaine and prescription drugs | 1968 - 2004 |
| Bio Web Page: Russell Jones | www.answers.com | "Arguably the most eccentric and erratic member of the group, his wild behavior drew significant media – and often police – attention. Along with Method Man, he was among the most popular members of Wu-Tang with high sales and guest spots with industry giants like Mariah Carey." |
Robert Pastorelli, 49Actor "Murphy Brown" / "Be Cool" |
Acute cocaine-morphine (heroin) toxicity Details: www.people.com |
1954 - 2004 |
IMDB Career Page: Robert Pastorelli IMDB Bio Page: |
"You do a show and go home and don't realize the impact you're having. Then one day you're returning Christmas presents at a mall in New Jersey and you hear people behind you talking. You think, 'Oh, yeah. I do that TV thing. Yeah.' " - Robert Pastorelli |
|
Rick James, 56The King of Funk R&B Funk Singer, "Superfreak" |
Heart attack, possibly drug induced | 1948 - 2004 |
| Website: Rick James | www.rickjames.com | Rick James was "the nephew of the Temptations' Melvin Franklin, Rick James was no stranger to Motown, and he and his band were signed to the label in the mid-sixties." David Ritz |
Paige Summers, 27Penthouse Centerfold |
Overdose of prescription drugs | 1976 - 2003 |
Web Page: Paige Summers |
www.people.famouswhy.com | "She was a shining star," Nina Coursey said of her daughter. "She could walk into any room, any casino and all eyes were on her." Kerri L. McFalls, Morganton News Herald |
Dee Dee Ramone, 50Founding Band Member, The Ramones |
Heroin overdose | 1951 - 2002 |
My Space page: Dee Dee Ramone Website: Vera Ramone King |
|
"...a generous, loving man who had a soft-spot for bums, who grew up in the tough streets of Queens, who never stopped working, writing, and performing, who often treated his wife like a Punk Rock Princess, and whose greatest joy was the look on his fans’ faces as he played them a song." PIX 11 Morning News online |
Catya Sassoon, 33Daughter, Vidal Sassoon |
Overdose, cocaine and prescription drugs |
1968 - 2002 |
Wikipedia Page: Catya Sassoon |
www.wikipedia.com | "one of the top junior models in the city, appearing on the covers of Seventeen, Bride and other magazines. At 15 she married for the first time, but had divorced by the time she appeared in her first feature film, Tuff Tuff, with Robert Downey Jr, a year later." |
Layne Staley, 34Lead Singer, "Alice in Chains" |
Overdose, cocaine and heroin | 1967 - 2002 |
Layne Staley Fund / Tribute: |
www.laynestaleyfund.com | "Influential vocalist's struggle with drugs was key component of band's music." |
Bobby Sheehan, 31Singer, "Blues Traveler" |
Drug overdose | 1968 - 1999 |
Tribute Web Page: Bobby Sheehan |
www.bluestraveler.net | Blues Traveler lyrics to "Sweet Pain" a song tribute to Bobby Sheehan |
Dana Plato, 34Actor, "Different Strokes" |
Suicide prescription drug overdose | 1964 - 1999 |
| Website: Dana Plato | www.danaplato.net | "In the end, Dana's life represented the painful reality of too many people cushioning her fall. No one allowed her to "hit bottom." She never could admit to herself the reality of her life. And too many people let her get away with it." Paul Petersen, Dana Plato Memorial page
|
Chris Farley, 33Comedic Actor |
Overdose, cocaine and morphine | 1964 - 1997 |
| Website: Chris Farley Foundation | www.thatguy.com | "No matter what he put you through, he could always make you laugh." Tom Farley |
Jonathan Melvoin, 34Musician, "Prince and the Revolution" "The Smashing Pumpkins" |
Overdose, heroin | 1961 - 1996 |
Wen info page: Jonathan Melvoin Song dedication: "Angel" By: Sarah McLachlan |
|
Sarah McLachlan lyrics to "Angel" inspired by Johnathan Melvoin |
Don Simpson, 52"One of the most successful producers of all time." |
Lethal combination of prescription drugs |
1943 - 1996 |
Don Simpson IMDB page: Hollywood Bio Page: |
"Don Simpson, one of the most highly regarded creative forces in the entertainment industry and one of the most successful producers of all time..." - "With worldwide revenues of over $10 billion in box office, video and recording receipts, Simpson earned not only the acclaim and respect of the entertainment industry but the devotion of moviegoers worldwide..." |
|
Hugh O'Connor, 32Actor |
Suicide under the influence of cocaine | 1962 - 1995 |
| Bio Webpage: Hugh O'Connor | www.answers.com | "Carroll O'Connor (Hugh's father) appeared in public service announcements for Partnership for a Drug Free America and spent the rest of his life working to raise awareness about drug addiction. O'Connor also successfully lobbied to get the State of California to pass legislation allowing family members of an addicted person or anyone injured by a drug dealer's actions, including employers, to sue for reimbursement for medical treatment and rehabilitation costs. The law, known as the Drug Dealer Civil Liability Act in California, went into effect in 1997. Eleven other states followed with similar legislation, which has been referred to as The Hugh O'Connor Memorial Law." |
Phyllis Hyman, 45Soul Singer |
Suicide, prescription drugs and alcohol | 1949 - 1995 |
Website: Phyllis Hyman |
www.phyllishymanstory.com | "We should all take Phyllis' death as a moment to reflect on our own individual lives and commit to reaching out to our loved ones, our communities and to the rest of the world. Phyllis' tragic death is a wake-up call for everyone in pain to know that there is no need to be alone in your pain and that you should get help for your pain." |
Kristin Pfaff, 27Singer, "Hole" |
Overdose, heroin | 1967 - 1994 |
Webpage: Kristin Pfaff, Partnership for a Drugfree America |
www.drugfree.org | "Pfaff’s death may wind up playing in the media as “just another senseless rock n’ roll casualty.” For members of Pfaff’s world, it was instead the latest case of unfair misfortune for a good and virtuous person. If Kristen Pfaff is to remain provocative as in her life, she might awaken us to the urgency of turning this trend around, and stripping some of the allure away from heroin and IV-drug use. Finally, we can always remember her magnetic persona – and her impressive art." Simon Peter Goebner, Remembering Kristen Pfaff |
Kurt Cobain, 27Lead Singer, "Nirvana" |
Alleged gunshot suicide after heroin overdose | 1967 - 1994 |
Memorail Website: Kurt Cobain |
www.cobain.com | Neil Young and Crazy Horse album dedication to Kurt Cobain |
River Phoenix, 23Actor |
Overdose, heronin and cocaine | 1970 - 1993 |
| Website: River Phoenix | www.river-phoenix.org | River Phoenix tribute page by The AJ Scan Collection |
Andy Gibb, 30Singer, "The Bee Gees" |
Cardiac arrest, prescription drugs and alcohol | 1958 - 1988 |
| Tribute Web Page: Andy Gibb | www.andygibb.50megs.com | Tribute to Andy Gibb: "Andy's Song" |
Hillel Slovak, 26Founding Band Member, "The Red Hot Chilli Peppers" |
Overdose, heroin | 1962 - 1988 |
| Web Page: Hillel Slovak | www.slovakopedia.com | ‘I’m telling you, this is the most beautiful thing we’ve ever done. I can’t wait to release this record." - Hillel Slovack |
John Belushi, 33Comedic Actor, "The Blues Brothers" |
Overdose, heroin and cocaine | 1949 - 1982 |
| Tribute Web Page: John Belushi | www.belushi.com | Career: www.imdb.com |
John Bonhman, 32Drummer, "Led Zepplin" |
Alcohol, pulmonary edema, waterlogging of the lungs caused by the inhalation of vomit. | 1948 - 1980 |
John Bonham Bio Page: Drummer performance: "Moby Dick" |
Career Page | "He first learned how to play the drums at the age of five..." |
Sid Vicious, 21Singer, "Sex Pistols" |
Overdose, heroin | 1957 - 1979 |
| Tribute Web Page: Sid Vicious | www.hotshotdigital.com | "It was (John) Lydon that came up with Sid's infamous nickname, which originated from his “cute” pet hamster that had once bitten a chunk of flesh out of Lydon’s father's hand." |
Keith Moon, 32Drummer, "The Who" |
Accidental overdose, anti-seizure medication prescribed to treat alcoholism | 1946 - 1978 |
| "Blue Plaque" for Keith Moon | www.guardian.co.uk | "...I envy the guitarist, who can go over and get that much closer to the audience. I can't do that; I have to sit at the back, so I acted in a different way and started to to draw attention to the drums in a different way, by acrobatics and all the tricks... " - Keith Moon |
Freddy Prinze, Sr., 22Comedic Actor, "Chico and the Man" |
Suicide under the influence of quaaludes, cocaine | 1954 - 1977 |
| Website: Freddie Prinze, Sr. | www.freddieprinze.com | "Prinze's mother, Mrs. Maria Pruetzel, a Christian Puerto Rican and his father a Jewish Hungarian, only wanted to have one child." Tracy Prinze (see Home page) |
Elvis Presley, 42King of Rock 'N' Roll |
Lethal combination of prescription drugs | 1935 - 1977 |
| Website: Elvis Presley | www.elvis.com | "...by 1956, he was an international sensation..." |
Bruce Lee, 32Actor, Master Martial Artist |
Fatal reaction to prescription drugs | 1940 - 1973 |
| Foundation Website: Bruce Lee | www.bruceleefoundation.com | |
Jim Morrison, 27Singer, "Riders on the Storm" Songwriter, Poet |
Heart failure, alcohol abuse (disputed) | 1943 - 1971 |
Remembrance page: Jim Morrison |
www.classicbands.com | |
Jimmy Hendrix, 27Rock and Roll Musician, Guitarist |
Overdose, alcohol and prescription drugs |
1942 - 1970 |
| Website: Jimmy Hendrix | www.jimi-hendrix.com | |
Janis Joplin, 27The Queen of Rock 'N' Roll American Singer, Song writer "Me and Bobby McGee" |
Overdose, heroin | 1943 - 1970 |
| Webpage: Janis Joplin | www.rockhall.com | |
Brian Jones, 25Band Member, "The Rolling Stones" |
Drowning, likely due to alcohol and prescription drugs | 1942 - 1969 |
| Bio Page: Brian Jones | www.beatzenith.com | |
Judy Garland, 47Actor |
Disputed drug overdose as cause of death | 1922 - 1969 |
| Web Page: Judy Garland | www.thejudygarlandpage.com | |
Lenny Bruce, 40Stand-up Comedian |
Overdose, morphine | 1925 - 1966 |
| Website: Lenny Bruce | www.lennybruceofficial.com | |
Alan Ladd, 50American Actor, "Citizen Kane" |
Probable suicide, alcohol and prescription drugs | 1913 - 1964 |
| Wikipedia page: Alan Ladd | www.wikipedia.com | |
Dinah Washington, 39The Queen of Blues |
Overdose, drugs and alcohol | 1924 - 1963 |
Verve Music Group page: Dinah Washington |
www.vervemusicgroup.com | |
Marilyn Monroe, 40First Playboy Centerfold Hollywood Icon |
Overdose, prescription drugs | 1926 - 1962 |
| Website: Marilyn Monroe | www.marilynmonroe.com | |
Hank Williams, 29Cowboy Country Music Star |
Drugs and probably alcohol | 1923 - 1953 |
| Hank Williams: Memorial Page | www.rockabillyhall.com | |
Copyright © 2009 / 2010 / 2011 Five Years From Now | | Site Design and creation by Alexandra Datig | Terms | Privacy