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Jeff Conaway and his Log-Term Battle with Addiction

JEFF CONAWAY’S LONG-TERM BATTLE WITH DRUG ADDICTION

Anyone who is familiar with films and TV shows from the 1970s and 80s is fully familiar with actor and singer Jeff Conaway. After rising from humble beginnings at New York University to a stint on TV commercials, Conaway gained a following after appearing with Robert De Niro and Barry Bostwick in the movie Jennifer on My Mind (1971). However, the charismatic actor was probably best known for playing the smooth-talking Kenicke in Grease (1978). He starred alongside his friend John Travolta. After a stint on Happy Days in 1975, though, Conaway gained fame as a TV star. Particularly from his role as Bobby Wheeler on the hit comedy show Taxi. Unfortunately, though, the time in the spotlight did not live long. The actor began to crumble from hardcore drug addiction. This ultimately resulted in his death in 2011. Let’s take a closer look at his long-term battle up close.

Beloved by So Many People

In an interview with the Associated Press, Conaway’s former manager Kathryn Boole stated she was saddened by the fact that people remembered him for this nasty drug addiction. He had connected so many people in special ways. Boole explained that the actor had been working hard to overcome his sickness. Though she added, his back pain may have been a factor that led to his demise. If he hadn’t been suffering through physical problems, she explains, he would still be alive.

Back in 2008, Conaway had taken part in VH1’s Celebrity Rehab. He admitted to using cocaine, opioid painkillers, and alcohol throughout his career. He also mentioned his co-dependent relationship with Vikki Lizzi, his girlfriend at the time. After participating in the second season, Conaway left right before the contestants “graduated”. Sadly, he started taking painkillers once he arrived home.

Untimely Death

In another interview, Dr. Drew Pinsky, a medical professional on Celebrity Rehab, explained that the easy accessibility of opioid painkillers was another factor behind Conaway’s death. However, he did confirm that the actor did not directly die from a drug overdose. Instead, he lost his life as a result of pneumonia and sepsis (whether this was triggered by drug use, we aren’t sure).

Seeking Treatment for Drug Abuse or Addiction

Drug abuse and addiction are dangerous mental illnesses. They not only wreak havoc on a victim’s private life but can also drive a wedge into a public reputation. Even more frightening, you will not know if you are an addict until you take one shot of alcohol and start down the pathway toward addiction. Like any mechanical breakdown, you can patch yourself up and continue the trek to freedom. With the right mixture of perseverance and determination, you can get back on track and be happy once more.

Are you suffering from a severe case of drug abuse or addiction? Do you have a friend or a loved one who is coping with the same illness? In both cases, get in touch us at with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of drug withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.

If you are seeking more information about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.