Every time you turn on the news some new actor, sports star, musician or entrepreneur has overdosed or gone to rehab. Have you ever heard one of these stories and thought “Why on Earth would someone so successful do drugs? What’s so bad in their life?” We all think because someone has lots of money they must be happy. But the truth is there are factors that can contribute to addiction that no amount of money can fix.
First of all if someone is genetically predisposed to addiction it doesn’t matter if they’re rich or famous or deliriously happy with their life. One experimental hit of drugs or one too many nights of heavy partying and the brain will say “I want more”. And sure we can judge and say they should never have tried drugs in the first place but just because someone is in the public eye doesn’t mean they can’t make the same mistakes we all do.
And just because someone is rich doesn’t mean they’re happy. For all we might say “you don’t know real problems until you’re poor” being wealthy can come with its own set of problems. For one thing you never know when people are interested in you as a person not for your money or status. It’s surprisingly easy to be lonely surrounded by people if you don’t feel you can truly trust any of them. And the pressure they’re under can be enormous.
Take a football player for example. Unless they’re a mega-star locked into a solid contract their life can be up in the air from season to season. If they underperform they might be traded to a team on the other side of the country and have to uproot their entire life – or worse be cut loose and have to figure out what to do next.
Addicts and successful people have some common traits too. You don’t become CEO of a Fortune 500 company without taking risks and that risk taking attitude can carry over to reckless drinking or drug use. It’s also possible that some event in the past that drove someone to success could lead them to substance abuse. Say you grew up poor and your parents were neglectful or abusive.
You never had new clothes and the kids at school would make fun of you. You decide one day you’re going to be rich so no one will ever look down on you again and you’ll never be under someone else’s power. Those same childhood experiences might also lead you to substance abuse to cope with the lingering memories or mental health issues from your ordeal.
Need help quitting drugs or alcohol? Asana Recovery has medical detox, residential and outpatient programs and you’ll be cared for by a team of medical professionals, counselors and therapists. Call us anytime (949)-763-3440.
