Addiction is no simple thing. Many people across the world have battled addiction of different kinds. Some win their fights, while some don’t. The media in India has been talking about drugs and possession for a while.
Sometimes we forget that celebrities are also human beings, and that they also have their fair share of addictions and struggles. Here are some examples.
1. Manisha Koirala
Image Credit: Instagram/m_koirala
At the peak of her career, Manisha Koirala, fell into the quagmire of alcohol addiction. Her addiction led to her fall from superstardom and grace, and affected her body as well. After a long fight with ovarian cancer, she has recovered, and is all about health and wellness.
2. Demi Lovato
Image Credit: Instagram/ddlovato
The actor and singer started off with Disney shows and movies, and became a household name. As her career took off, so did her problems with drugs and alcohol. According to her, she was 17 years old when she first used cocaine. It was in 2010 that she first sought treatment for addiction and mental health issues, including bipolar and eating disorders.
3. Whitney Houston
Image Credit: Instagram/whitneyhouston
In the second half of Whitney Houston’s career, her reputation as America’s pop sweetheart was hindered by tabloid speculation about drug use. Her addiction got worse and worse despite the upward trajectory of her career, eventually leading to her death in 2012.
The C-Word podcast series by Luminary has two episodes titled ‘Whitney Houston’ which extensively discuss the singing diva’s battle with addiction.
4. Drew Barrymore
Image Credit: Instagram/drewbarrymore
The 90s actor, who owned all our hearts, also owned many rehab tickets and addiction charges. News of her drug abuse in teenage years found her controversial fame at the time as well. After a few trips to the rehab, she is back on track with her career and life. Addiction, after all, is a mental health issue, and working on it often leads to a more settled life.
5. Pooja Bhatt
Image Credit: Instagram/poojab1972
Pooja Bhatt was once an alcohol addict but has since worked hard to recover from it. In an interview, she revealed that she started drinking at the age of 16! She said, “Living in a fast-paced city, being in a high-stress profession, it (alcohol) becomes a reason to celebrate and cope with failure. Your film is a hit, you bathe in champagne. It flops, a single malt lessens the pain.”
6. Meena Kumari
Image Credit: G. P. Productions
The popular and evergreen Bollywood actor led a turbulent personal life. Her addiction started when she was diagnosed with chronic insomnia and her doctor prescribed her a small peg of brandy for peaceful nights. However, medicine soon turned into an addiction, which was also believed to be a major reason behind her untimely death!
The world has lost far too many brilliant minds due to drug addiction and alcohol abuse. From Whitney Houston to Meena Kumari, celebrity deaths from drug and alcohol overdoses are too common for comfort.
However, it is important to celebrate those who have battled addiction and come out victorious as well! It gives everyone hope and the inspiration to take that first step towards rehabilitation.
Social and lead image credit: Instagram/m_koirala and Instagram/poojab1972
