It seems like every time you turn on the news, some new actor, sports star, musician, or entrepreneur has overdosed or been admitted to rehab. Have you ever heard one of these stories and shaken your head, thinking “Why on Earth would someone so rich and successful ever turn to drugs? What could possibly be so wrong in their lives?” It’s easy to think that just because someone has plenty of money, they must be perfectly happy. The truth is that there are factors that play into an addiction that no amount of money can touch.
To begin with, if someone is genetically predisposed to addiction, it doesn’t matter if they’re rich or famous or deliriously happy with their lives. One experimental hit of drugs or one too many nights of heavy partying might be all it takes for the brain to say, “I want more.” And sure, it’s easy to judge and say that they should never have been trying illegal drugs in the first place, but just because someone is in the public eye doesn’t mean they aren’t allowed to make mistakes like the rest of us.
Also, just because someone is rich doesn’t mean they’re happy. For all that people might scoff and say that you don’t know real problems until you’re poor, being wealthy can come with its own set of issues. For one thing, you never know when people are interested in you as a person, rather than for your money or status. It’s surprisingly easy to be lonely while surrounded with people if you don’t feel that you can truly trust any of them. Also, the pressure they’re under might be enormous. Take a football player, for example. Unless they’re a mega-star locked into a solid contract, their lives can be up in the air from season to season. If they underperform, they might be traded to a team across the country and have to uproot their entire lives – or worse, be let go outright and left struggling to figure out what to do next.
There are some personality traits that addicts and successful people have in common, as well. You don’t become CEO of a Fortune 500 company without taking risks, and that risk-taking attitude can carry over a reckless disregard of drinking or illegal drug use. It’s also possible that some event in the past that drove someone to become successful could lead them to substance abuse. Say you grow up poor, and your parents are neglectful or downright abusive. You never had new clothes, and the kids at school always made fun of you. You decide that one day, you’re going to be rich so that no one will ever look down on you again, and you’re never going to be under another person’s power. Those same childhood experiences might also lead you to substance abuse in an effort to cope with the lingering memories or mental health issues from your ordeal.
If you or a loved one need help with quitting drugs or alcohol, consider Asana Recovery. We offer medical detox, along with both residential and outpatient programs, and you’ll be supervised by a highly trained staff of medical professionals, counselors, and therapists. Call us any time at (949) 438-4504 to get started.
