Throughout history, many people with promising futures had been lost by the most frustrating, yet common, mental illness on the planet: drug addiction. From musicians like Elvis Presley and Prince to movie stars like Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland, numerous celebrities have lost their lives as a direct result of forming an attachment to drugs. However, some of the most tragic cases revolve around people who were prepared to set a course for fame and accomplishments, only to die too soon from drug-related overdoses. Perhaps one of the most notorious situations involved Len Bias, who many people consider the greatest basketball player who never got the chance to play for a professional team. Let’s take a closer look at the tragic cocaine-related death of underground icon Len Bias.
A Simple but Tragic Accident
Ultimately, the public had several speculations about what may have triggered the untimely death of 22-year old Len Bias, the second draft pick for the Boston Celtics in 1986. Overall, the University of Maryland student had not experienced any prior health problems, despite widespread assumptions. Ultimately, the coroner confirmed Bias’s heart attack was not triggered by Marfan’s syndrome (a genetic disorder marked by excessive growth) or an undetected heart deformity but was, instead, the result of a cocaine overdose; plain and simple.
Widespread Fear and Panic
Besides a wave of grief expressed by the public, the impact of Len Bias’s death dug much deeper than a mass of condolences. In fact, according to a report from TIME, cocaine hotlines across the United States were overloaded with terrified callers asking a horde of questions about the stimulant. Was cocaine dangerous enough to kill someone on the first try? How could one man suffer a fatal overdose after consuming a small portion of this drug?
Seeking Treatment for Drug Abuse or Addiction
Throughout the decades, many famous people have suffered from severe (and particularly dangerous) cases of drug abuse or addiction, sometimes leading to uncomfortably dangerous situations that are plastered across social media and the press. All it takes to fall off the wagon and become sick is to take that first sniff, snort, injection, or shot before you are rolling downhill into insanity. Still, you can always push the train back up, but it will be a difficult hike. However, with the right mixture of perseverance and determination, you can easily get back on track and be happy once more.
Are you suffering from a severe case of alcoholism or drug addiction? Do you have a friend or a loved one who is coping with the same illness? In either case, 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.
