Heroin
Robs Us of Philip Seymour Hoffman: The Frightening Reality
of
Substance Abuse and Overdose
On February 2, 2014,
Hollywood and Broadway lost an exceptionally talented actor, Philiph Seymour Hoffman, to an overdose
on the drug Heroin. Hoffman was highly respected, having won the Academy Award for Best Actor in the 2005 biographical film Capote, nominated three times for Best Supporting Actor and having received three Tony Award nominations for his work in
theater. One might ask; how could such a talented, successful and obviously
intelligent individual suffer such a death from a drug as publicly detrimental
as Heroin? However, Hoffman is just one example of how even
the most successful and highly-respected individuals are affected by the
down-ward spiral of Heroin addiction.
In a 2011 interview with
“60 Minutes”, Philip Seymour Hoffman
expressed that he had struggled with substance
abuse and drug and alcohol addiction
in the past, but had fought this addiction. However, the power of addiction overcame Hoffman. By the beginning of 2014, Hoffman was back to his old habits. He was found unresponsive on
February 2, 2014 and the cause of death was ruled to be Heroin overdose.
As an MLADC, it is difficult to come to terms with the fact that Hoffman could have been saved. Had he
received adequate care and support, he may still be on the big screen today. It
is too late for Hoffman. However,
when it comes to others whom are suffering from Heroin addiction, (and there are many), it is not too late.
Years ago, before having
entered the field of Substance Abuse
Counseling, I did not think Heroin
was common. I certainly did not think of Heroin
as having a large role in the lives of many individuals within the state of New Hampshire. However, I now recognize
the prevalence of this drug and the power it holds over individuals whom
struggle with addiction.
Often, addiction to Heroin begins with the use of pain-killers or other Opiates. Since Opiates are highly addictive
and very expensive, addicted
individuals in “needing to get their fix” turn to Heroin. The effects of Heroin
are similar to that of pain-killers and other Opiates at a significantly lower price. In other words, users do
not often begin by injecting Heroin
into their veins. Such methods are commonly taken after an individual’s body,
mind and spirit are taken over by their drug
of choice, often after having used the substance in pill form. The focus
becomes getting their fix no matter the consequence.
Philip Seymour Hoffman is
not the first celebrity to have passed away as a result of a drug overdose. Such individuals as Heath Ledger, Anna Nicole Smith, Marilyn
Monroe, Elvis, Janis Joplin and Kurt Cobain were also noted as having deceased as a result of drug addiction. And as for
“non-celebrities” whom have deceased as a result of a drug addiction? Millions.
Where
Should You Turn if You are Suffering from Addiction?
Self-Empowerment NH, LLC specializes in
working with families suffering from substance
abuse issues and has supported a number of individuals whom suffer from
even the most severe of addictions.
Through both individual counseling and family counseling; Selfempnh is here to
serve as an empathetic, confidential and non-judgmental support system.
For more information
about counseling and group services and/or presentations regarding Substance
Abuse in Youth and in the Workplace,
please contact Lori Magoon, MLADC, LCMHC at (603)470-6937 or selfempowermentnh@gmail.com.
You are not
alone. Open the door to self-empowerment.
Open the door to a better tomorrow.
Sources:
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http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/05/showbiz/philip-seymour-hoffman-death/
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