Some stars are prepped for greatness, while others are born to be icons. At least, that is the case for Norma Jean Mortenson, who would later become the blond beauty Marilyn Monroe. Starting from humble and tragic beginnings, Monroe soon rose to fame after becoming a pin-up model and officially broke the ice in 1950, becoming the official “sexy symbol” of Hollywood. Throughout her career, the beautiful actress and dancer eventually went on to star in iconic films like Gentleman Prefer Blondes and Some Like It Hot. However, her successful time in the movie industry was tragically short-lived when Monroe overdoses on barbiturates and died in 1962. Let’s take a closer look at the tragic story of Marilyn Monroe’s drug addiction.
Slow Descent into Sadness
Despite a successful performance streak, Marilyn Monroe began to lose steam in the 1950s. Both Let’s Make Love and The Misfits (her last two films) were complete flops at the box office, and the second film (created by her then-husband Arthur Miller) served as a shattering point for their marriage. Following her divorce from Miller directly after filming, Monroe began to suffer from substance abuse and severe bouts of depression, possibly triggered by bipolar disorder.
Finally, on June 8, 1962, 20th Century Fox fired Monroe during the filming of Something’s Gotta Give for frequent absences, as she claimed she was too sick to work on the movie. (However, she did successfully sing “Happy Birthday, Mister President” to President John F. Kennedy during this year.) Overall, her dismissal from the company marked the end of a $200 million career.
Alone in Bed
In the early weeks of August 1962, the entire United States fell in sad silence after learning that Marilyn Monroe had been found dead at the young age of 36 in her apartment building. Beside her bed was a collection of sedatives, tranquilizers, opioids, speed, and sleeping pills. Likewise, Monroe had emptied a bottle of barbiturates and had consumed a large quantity of Sherry (an alcoholic drink).
Long before opioids struck our country, barbiturates were the cause of dangerous overdoses and deaths. Although she may have died in a tragic way, Marilyn Monroe will always live on in films (and in our hearts).
Seeking Treatment for Drug Abuse or Addiction
Throughout history, many wonderful people have been claimed by the deadly mental illness called drug addiction, and, unfortunately, hundreds more are dying as a result of overdoses each year. However, you do not have to be among the casualties of the Opioid Crisis, crystal meth scares, or additional drug-related incidences poisoning our country. You can take a stand and overcome your mental illness. With the right amount of perseverance, patience, and love, anything is possible.
Are you suffering from a severe case of drug abuse or addiction? Is your friend or loved one also suffering from this sickness? In both cases, get in touch 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 want to find out more 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.
