From easy access to drugs and other harmful substances to no-money issues and the stress of constantly being in the public eye, there are many celebrities struggling with depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Several reasons led to this, including a hit-and-run, erratic and violent behavior in front of her children, and sexual harassment charges by her former bodyguard, which nearly got her listed as a celeb sex offender. In 2021, Spears gained her freedom after a 14-year conservatorship on her life and finances, but unfortunately, her mental functioning still appears questionable. Medical examiners determined that Farley overdosed on a mixture of heroin, cocaine and morphine. Michael Jackson, the legendary “King Of Pop” music whose career spanned decades since he was a child performer, died in 2009 from an accidental overdose of propofol, a powerful sedative administered by the singer’s personal doctor.

Michael Jackson

Before going into rehab, she was seen outside an airport with no shoes, and her behavior looked troubling, bizarre even. Part of the defense Sober living home of his famous lawyers was an official statement from his therapist saying that Depp has been struggling with benzodiazepines, stimulants, alcohol, and opioids. After being arrested, Black was charged with drug trafficking, and he also tested positive for fentanyl, a potent drug approved by the FDA as a painkiller and anesthetic. According to sources, a judge ordered the 25-year-old rapper to go to rehab.

Celebrity Drug and Alcohol Deaths

Hours before his death, the 57-year-old musician was seen walking into a doctor’s office. His bodyguard also picked up a prescription, a medication used to treat Prince’s opioid withdrawal, at Walgreens. A few weeks after his passing, the New York Medical Examiner’s Office ruled that he died of acute mixed drug intoxication, including heroin, cocaine, benzodiazepines and amphetamine. Prior to her passing, she was admitted to rehab several times and had several near-death experiences.

• Her rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” made her an instant singing star too, and she quickly became one of Hollywood’s brightest entertainers even though she was barely 17 when the film was released.
• They have access to substances the average person can’t get their hands on.
• Williams even found success in movies like “12 Years a Slave,” the “RoboCop” remake, and “Assassin’s Creed” among others.
• Tyler voluntarily entered a treatment program and is now out and well again.

Samuel L. Jackson

• Joplin had a history of substance abuse and addiction, which ultimately led to her untimely death.
• Speaking of celebrity drug addicts in recovery, rapper Eminem’s story is worth mentioning.
• “It was just a matter of time before I got caught and my business ended up on the cover of a tabloid or I went to jail or, worse, I ended up dead.”
• Cocaine usage and heart disease significantly contributed to her untimely death.
• Lola Chantrelle “Gangsta Boo” Mitchell died of an accidental drug overdose on New Year’s Day 2023 following the consumption of a toxic blend of cocaine, fentanyl and liquor.

Essentially abandoned, Marilyn grew up bouncing from one foster family to the next, even spending two years in an orphanage. Mixing illicit, prescription or over-the-counter medications can be dangerous, and patients should always rule out drug interactions with their healthcare provider. The use of prescription medications with illegal drugs or alcohol can produce an unpredictable and fatal response, and many deaths due to such circumstances may have been preventable. The iconic frontman of the legendary rock band The Doors, died on July 3, 1971, in Paris, France.

Celebrities Who Died from Drugs

On July 19, 2014, Bartusiak, just 21 years old, died in her Texas home. On April 2, 2020, Williams passed away from an accidental overdose from fentanyl, a powerful opioid pain reliever, People reported. He had been living at a group home in Canada, as Marlyse had sought out professional treatment for her son during his final years. Belushi enjoyed spirited success through the 1970s, even as a persistent drug problem loomed in the background. Though there were sober spells, the narrative goes that his drug habit was greatly fanned by people and a culture that enabled him. Layne Staley was an American musician best known for his tenor voice and distinct vocal style.

River Phoenix

Cleveland native Dorothy Dandridge was something of an unlikely star, an African American woman who grew up in the middle of the Great Depression. As a singer and dancer, she found success and forged a career alongside her sister Vivian as The Wonder Children, and together they played famous nightclubs and worked with high-profile acts like Cab Calloway. US actor Michael K Williams died after overdosing on a combination of heroin, cocaine, fentanyl and p-fluorofentanyl, the New York Chief Medical Examiner has confirmed. He started acting at 10 and first starred in a Christian sitcom, “JLW Academy,” about students attending a Christian private school. In 2017, Sanders got a big break, appearing in an episode of the FX show “Fear the Walking Dead.” He played the younger version of Jake Otto (Sam Underwood), a main character on the show. The following table outlines the death of notable celebrities and athletes who have had drugs or alcohol implicated in their deaths.

Wendy Williams Said To Be “Permanently Disabled And Legally Incapacitated”…

Sanders had been texting the friend the night before, telling the friend that he was using fentanyl. The report said Sanders had a history of drug use, and drug paraphernalia was found at the apartment. On June 25th, 2009, the King of Pop died at the age of 50 in his Los Angeles home.

Celebrities who died from painkillers, cocaine and heroin

He also developed a drug addiction when he was prescribed Vicodin after a jet ski accident in 1997. His drug and alcohol abuse eventually impacted his work on “Friends,” forcing his costars to intervene. Like many other famous people who actors who died from drugs died from drugs before her, she had a history of substance abuse and had sought treatment for addiction. These stories of these immensely gifted musicians and actors underscore how addiction is an indiscriminate foe that can claim even the most extraordinary lives.