With the untimely and still unexplained death of yet another celebrity, we thought it was time to blog about it. Amy Winehouse died at the age of 27 perhaps more famous for her public struggle with addictions than her hugely successful musical career. The controversial and troubled artist passed away, alone, in her London home, July 23, 2011. Her family is devastated and awaits toxicology results hoping it can provide the answers needed. Along with her family, celebrities around the globe responded to her death with a deep sense of loss and sadness. Although her death has not been ruled as drug-related, her passing came as no surprise to those familiar with addictions. As an addict you run the risk of losing your life to the substance that controls you each and every time.
Winehouse’s most famous song “Rehab” discussed her lack of readiness to seek treatment for her heroin, cocaine, ecstasy and alcohol abuse. The fight with addiction and struggle to stay sober is something her friend and fellow celebrity knows well. Russell Brand recently blogged about losing Amy, "When you love someone who suffers from the disease of addiction you await the phone call. There will be a phone call." For Michael Jackson, Marilyn Monroe, Anna Nicole Smith, Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Chris Farley and countless others whose names never made the front page, that phone call was not one to say they were seeking treatment. Sadly, the addiction had won.
Our hope is that the incredible, talented, brilliant young minds of this world are starting to take notice that drug addiction is not glamorous or sexy, but rather a heart-wrenching daily struggle. Amy’s parents hope the same and plan to start a foundation to support those with addictions. Our committee exists with the hope that one day we will prevent the dreaded call to loved ones for the young people we work with.
For more information about the Leduc Community Drug Action Committee, the work we do, or to get involved, please contact HGraham@leduc.ca or call 780.980.7184.
