If anything, these instances serve as cautionary tales that emphasize the urgent need for effective, evidence-based intervention strategies. Society’s view of drug addiction has changed very little since Osler’s and Halsted’s time and is still frequently approached with secrecy and denial. It should be noted that in the 19th century and the early 1900s, morphine usage celebrities who died from alcohol was not only legal but more socially acceptable than alcohol. Morphine was used during the American Civil War as a surgical anesthetic and was sent home with numerous wounded soldiers for pain relief. Several hundred thousand soldiers were addicted to morphine at the end of the war. Hank Williams, who recorded 66 songs and wrote 50 of them himself, died at age 29.
Clients are able to discuss their values, problems, and even identify issues in their life that require attention. 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.
Celebrity Drug and Alcohol Deaths
Renfro was finally laid to rest in his hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee a week later. The entertainment world said goodbye to many figures from the worlds of music, movies and television in 2023. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, help is available. Join 40,000+ People Who Receive Our Newsletter Get valuable resources on addiction, recovery, wellness, and our treatments delivered directly to your inbox. With her husky voice and dynamic stage energy, Janis Joplin etched her name into the annals of 1960s rock history. Her music, a blend of raw feelings and societal critiques, resonated deeply with a generation seeking change.
- When it became more difficult to get opioids, many people turned to illicit drug dealers to get their fix.
- Cassidy went on to have a successful career as a musician but his life was troubled behind the scenes.
- The official cause of death was “right ventricular dilatation,” an unusual conclusion.
- This article highlights some of the most famous cases and briefly discusses medical views of substance abuse from Osler’s time to the present.
- The Glee singer and actor died at 31 in a Vancouver hotel as a result of an alcohol and heroin overdose.
He died in 2013 of an accidental overdose involving heroin and alcohol. The singer sadly passed away at the age of 56 on September 4, 2023. Renfro had a history of struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.
Famous People Who Died of Alcoholism
Our substance abuse treatment programs offer personalized, evidence-based care to help you or your loved one become drug-free. Dolores O’Riordan was a singer and songwriter known as the lead https://ecosoberhouse.com/ vocalist for The Cranberries. In 2018, she died of accidental drowning due to alcohol intoxication. Cory Monteith was an actor best known for his role in the television series Glee.
By mimicking various neurotransmitters, they activate the mesolimbic reward system deep within the brain. The brain’s metabolism is altered, craving is created, and one’s personality is changed. This 90s teen heartthrob who rose to fame in The Client died in his Los Angeles home from an overdose of heroin and morphine. Since his starring role on “Baywatch”, David Hasselhoff become notorious for his alcoholism.
Stephen King
He was best known as one of the original cast members of Saturday Night Live. In 1982, he died of an accidental overdose involving a speedball (a mixture of cocaine and heroin). Unfortunately, there are many celebrities who ultimately succumbed to their drinking problem. Click through this gallery to see which stars sadly died as a result of alcohol abuse. When it comes to public battles with addiction, alcohol abuse is often sidelined. The abuse of other drugs is perceived as being more serious, and problems with drinking are often put on the back burner.
