Being in the public eye of so many people can take a toll on big influencers and celebrities. In many cases these big name celebrities turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with their problems.
According to TMZ, 26 year old rapper Mac Miller was pronounced dead on Friday, Sept. 7 from an apparent overdose. Unfortunately, word has not gotten out on what type of drug the overdose may have been from but hopefully in upcoming weeks, a toxicology report will be released.
Many fellow celebrities, especially in the music industry, went to Twitter to talk about the apparent overdose.
“God f***king dammit. You were such an incredible person. You changed so many lives. Had so much love in your heart. You inspired me throughout highschool, and I wouldn’t be where I was today without you. Never a more kind and more sincere person. I f***king love you Mac,” said fellow hip hop singer and rapper, Post Malone.
“I actually never listened to anything by Mac before!” junior writing major Francesa Maslin said. “He has had no impact on my life. It was sad to hear of his death and so many other famous people who pass from drugs and alcohol. I personally am not a fan of drugs and alcohol. I feel like, because our generation was really connected to his music, this might make them stop and think about that kind of party lifestyle and experimenting with substances.”
Abuse of drugs and alcohol do not just happen in hip hop and rap music. That is simply a legend and a stereotype made by people who have not been on the other side of the industry.
According to U.S. News, “drug overdose deaths tripled between 2000 and 2015, with opioid-related deaths in rural communities ballooning seven-fold. Preliminary data indicates drug overdoses in 2016 could exceed 64,000, with fentanyl-related incidents accounting for 21,000 of those deaths.”
Demi Lovato was hospitalized for “apparent” overdose on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at 11:37 A.M. after authorities were called and responded to her Hollywood home. Lovato, 25, was found unconscious when paramedics arrived.
“Growing up in a time when Demi was a very famous actress and singer, I looked up to her,” junior education major Diana Whittaker said. “As I grew older I saw how she went through struggles and I could tell her fame wasn’t all smiles. I liked how she was honest with the public about her hardships and battles. So often you hear people keeping their feelings in. Having Demi connect with her fans on such personal levels and advocate for physical and mental health was so wonderful to see.”
This is not Lovato’s first time overdosing. She released a documentary called Simply Complicated on Youtube explaining her struggles with her depression from a young age, eating disorders, self-harm and her struggle with Bipolar Disorder. According to the documentary, she never felt truly happy with herself.
“Being an Education major here at Cabrini University, I admire people who advocate for young people and admit when they are having difficult times,” Whittaker said. “Demi’s struggle led her down a dark path but I believe that she is strong enough to overcome. Her story of hardship and struggle can be an inspiration to many.”
“Money doesn’t matter,” Pat Brown, a Cabrini professor who teaches the ECG-200 course called “rethinking addiction,” said. “Money makes it easier to be unwell rather than easier to get to be safe.”
Brown is also a Licensed Social Worker with Mirmont Treatment Center. He wanted to give some advice to students who may be going to some of the same experiences as some of these celebrities.
“If you are suffering, I realized that it is a herculean act of courage to ask for help” Brown said. “It is never going to be easier than it is right now. The longer you take the harder it gets.”
Another resource that is available on campus for students would be Counseling and Psychological Services for guidance and advice which is located in Grace Hall, Room 174.
