Over the years of working with people suffering addiction and talking with “normal” people I often find that many believe addiction is a class problem.  I have found that many of the rich seem to think only the poor use drugs.  Statistics tell us the middle and upper class are the biggest abusers of Prescription Medications (perhaps they don’t count).   And we know almost 1 in 10 drinkers have alcohol related problems, this is definitely across all classes.  What about death?  15 Australians die from Alcohol daily, 8 die from all other drugs combined daily.

Addiction, Why Me?

Often I hear addicts say things like “If I wasn’t so broke I wouldn’t need to use.”  Then on the opposite side of the street I see wealthy addicts questioning “Why and I an addict?  I’ve got all I need.  What makes me muck up like this?” They are confused because they have no clear reason for their addiction.

What is clear to those who work in the field of Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) is that no-one is safe from addiction.  The best medical professionals in the world cannot explain addiction with certainty. There are theories, three that have significant evidence to back them up:

  1. There is a Genetic link to addiction.  If there is a history of alcoholism in your family your have a increased chance of following in the family footsteps.
  2. Post Traumatic Stress.  Rates of addiction can be observed spiking with war veterans and those that suffer various types of trauma.  Physical, emotional or sexual.
  3. The less known.  After drinking for a period of time and quantity some people just become addicted.

One think I can say for certain is that money doesn’t solve this problem.  However, obviously money might help to get you the private professional help to recover.  While surfing the web tonight I found a web site which lists some of the Celebrities that have ‘been to rehab’.  I want to share this to drive home the point, money and social status will not protect you from this insidious illness.  If you are suffering from addiction take some action.  Reach out for help!!!  Don’t wait till it is too late.

Celebrities Who Have Been to Rehab

Written by:  Jim Tatlock, Director of Habitat Therapeutics.  Drug and Alcohol Residential Rehabilitation.

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