The tragic death of Jeff Conaway after decades of substance abuse is an example to stars currently struggling in rehab, such as Whitney Houston and Amy Winehouse.
Actor Jeff Conaway of “Taxi” and “Grease” fame struggled with an addiction to pain medication, cocaine and alcohol. Formerly a heartthrob, Conaway was a pale facsimile of himself during a stint on “Celebrity Rehab.” Conaway was hospitalized two weeks ago after an overdose and died yesterday from pneumonia and sepsis.
Once a shining star with a handsome face, Jeff Conaway wasted away before his fans' eyes over the last two decades. His untimely death at 60 is a reason for contemplation, especially for other celebrity addicts such as Whitney Houston and Amy Winehouse.
According to The BoomBox, Whitney Houston enrolled in an outpatient rehab program in California earlier this month. She is fighting a long-term battle with drugs and alcohol. Her ex-husband Bobby Brown, 42, said about his former wife's recovery, “I haven't spoken to her yet, but Whitney is a great person and a strong woman, so I expect the best from her. I wish her all of my love and all the greatness that she is. I just wish her the best.”
In 2007, Brown and Houston divorced after a tumultuous marriage marred by addictions. Bobby Brown is celebrating his own sobriety, stating, “I'm definitely in a better place in my life. Six years sober from drugs. I'm just really grateful that I can get off the heroin, the crack, the coke.”
The ramifications of addiction run deep. In March, Bobby and Whitney's daughter, Bobbi Kristina, faced a drug scandal. Photos were released to the National Enquirer showing Bobbi doing what appears to be snorting cocaine. Bobbi denied the allegations and said a person close to her set up the photos to make it look like she was taking drugs.
Amy Winehouse, singer of the famous song “Rehab,” has also caused her family stress due to her addiction problems. With the assistance of her father Mitch, 27-year-old Winehouse checked into a clinic earlier this week to battle alcohol addiction.
The Miami Herald reports her rep said Winehouse has “embarked on a treatment program at the Priory Clinic. She wants to be ready for performances in Europe this summer and decided to seek an assessment. She will remain at the Priory on doctors' advice.”
Winehouse is planning a series of summer concerts in Europe beginning on June 18. A source indicated the singer was drinking a mini bottle of vodka on the way to the rehab clinic on Wednesday.
Addiction is a gripping force that takes over your life. Substance abuse is difficult to combat, as revealed by the struggles of Jeff Conaway, Whitney Houston and Amy Winehouse.
Those facing their own addiction issues need to know help is available. HelpGuide.org offers tips about combating substance abuse including deciding to make a change and how to get assistance. Other resources include Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. The first steps toward beating addiction are recognizing the problem and reaching out for help.
Photo from Wikimedia Commons
Comment and add to the story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.
