Born February 20, 1967 as Kurt Donald Cobain, Nirvana’s lead singer was one of, if not the, premiere musical icon of Generation X [7]. He was credited with pioneering the “grunge” subgenre to Alternative Rock in America. At the time of his suicide, Cobain had a net worth of $150 million and was arguably one of the world’s most famous rock stars [4]. It’s because of this that people wonder why he ultimately decided to take his own life. Others speculate that perhaps his death was not a suicide at all.
Cobain’s Death by Suicide:
On Friday, April 8th, 1994 Kurt Cobain was found dead from a gunshot in the outdoor greenhouse of his Seattle, Washington home [4]. Cobain’s autopsy estimated the time of his death to be Tuesday, April 5th via a self-inflicted gunshot to the head [4].
SEE KURT COBAIN’S SUICIDE NOTE
When police arrived they found a shotgun against his chin, a suicide note placed on top of a pile of potting soil, a pen staked through the middle of the note, a used syringe, about $100 of Mexican black tar heroin, a pack of Camel Lite cigarettes, a half-empty can of Barqs Root Beer, and towels presumably left by the singer to help clean up the mess [4]. The singer had been missing since fleeing a drug detox center in LA 9 days earlier.
Mental Illness: As an adolescent, Cobain was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder (or manic depression). This causes destabilizing swings between manic mood phases (rage, euphoria, excessive energy, overconfidence, and little need for sleep) and depressive mood phases (low energy, fatigue, low motivation, no interest in daily activities, and suicidal thoughts). These phases can last for months [8].
Family History of Suicide: Some also point to suicide’s genetic component. A year after his death, Cobain’s cousin Beverly confessed her own past struggle with suicidal ideation. She revealed that Kurt was the 3rd male Cobain to take his own life. All three used firearms [8] [4].
He Hated Stardom: It’s tempting to believe that Cobain’s feelings about his success led to his depression and eventually his suicide. But an examination of Cobain’s personal writings in the HBO Movie Montage of Heck revealed that he first attempted suicide in high …Continue Reading
Other Celebrities Who’ve Struggled with Addiction:
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In May of 2017, Chris Cornell, known best for his work with bands like Soundgarden, Audioslave, and his musical opening for the 2006 Bond film "Casino Royale" was found dead (by hanging) after the Soundgarden reunion show in Detroit, Michigan. His death was ruled a suicide but his wife and many of his fans wondered if his drug use somehow played a role in his death. It was the same question asked back in 1994 after Kurt Cobain's controversial suicide. Chris began using drugs when he was only 12 years old -- beginning with marijuana, prescription anxiety pills (benzodiazepines), and alcohol. At 14, he stopped drinking and taking anxiety medication and turned to hallucinogens. He used these heavily for 2 years. During this time, Cornell barely left his home, talked to anyone, and had no friends. It left him understandably depressed, so he turned back to alcohol. When asked about his alcohol use, Cornell said that as the child of two alcoholics, having a drinking problem of his own seemed inevitable and just made sense at the time. He abstained from hard drugs but drank heavily, well into his late 30's. Finally, in late 2002 his bandmates in Audioslave expressed their concern for his safety and convinced him to enter a rehab program in the Midwest. Cornell stayed sober for 14 years. Relapse: Cornell's sobriety ended in 2016 when he tore his shoulder. “The pain in the shoulder was waking him up at night and it was keeping him up...he was prescribed a benzodiazepine to help him sleep,” said his wife Vicky. Even for those with no history of addiction, benzodiazepines are incredibly addictive and habit-forming. Many celebrities who began taking them for sleep or stress later found themselves in painful withdrawals. Chris quickly began abusing the pills. His wife recounts that “in a seven-day period, he took 20-something pills and in a nine-day period, 33.” After his death, Chris Cornell’s toxicology report revealed several prescription drugs and other substances in his system. High levels of barbiturates (prescription sedatives). Four doses of lorazepam (also known as the anxiety medication Ativan). Traces of caffeine (a mild upper). Pseudoephedrine (a decongestant and mild upper). Naloxone (administered by EMTs to stop a possible overdose). When the toxicology report was released, Vicky Cornell stated that it was the drugs that caused Cornell to take such action. But the coroner officially determined that Chris Cornell’s death was a suicide and that his drug abuse did not directly cause his death. Experts added that it is unlikely that the “weird combination” of uppers and downers in Cornell’s system would lead him to hang himself and that research has yet to establish a connection between benzodiazepine use and suicide. Chris was outspoken about his struggles with depression, as well as his struggles with drug and alcohol addiction. He advocated for recovery and stood by his decision to be one of the world’s greatest rock stars, clean and sober. His death was surprising to his millions of fans worldwide and to his wife Vicky who had spoken to him only hours before his death. In an interview after his death, she stated that something seemed seriously wrong with him when they spoke -- he was slurring his words like he used to when he took Oxycontin. Was relapsing a choice? Certainly, Chris Cornell should not have been prescribed a mind-altering, addictive substance. However, many people in recovery have to undergo painful surgeries, endure severe injuries, or physical traumas. Short-term, they have to take addictive medications like opioids or benzodiazepines. After a short experience taking the medication only as prescribed, or less, they maintain their sobriety without suffering a “relapse”. However, it's a dangerous slippery slope and Chris isn't the first celebrity to fall down it. Anthony Bourdain, a recovering celebrity chef, also took his own life. Read his story here. What could have been done? Medication management has to be part of recovery. Whenever drugs become necessary for surgery or injury, doctors, family members, and a therapist or counselor should closely monitor the amount of medication taken. Most importantly individuals should always report any cravings just as those close to them should watch for drug-seeking behaviors. The doctor could have provided alternatives to the benzodiazepines, including holistic healing practices proven to reduce pain and improve sleep. The doses could have also been more carefully monitored. Upon noticing symptoms of relapse, those closest to Cornell could have intervened and suggested a short term rehab treatment. Of course, Chris Cornell could have asked for help earlier as well. We cannot know what went on in Chris’s mind or body in the year of relapse leading up to his death. What we can do is learn from his experience, have compassion for his struggles, and stick steadfastly to our own recoveries. If you are having thoughts of suicide due to an addiction, help is available. Please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255. Relapse is nothing to be ashamed of. Over half of people with substance abuse issues relapse after getting sober. But if you are interested in ending the cycle of relapse, then contact us. We have a reputation for helping others stay sober when other rehab facilities didn't work and our graduates have a relapse rate that is 30% lower than the industry average. Call us today for more information: (855) 202-2138 See the transcript and more information. Other Celebrities Who Have Struggled with Addiction:Chris Cornell Relapsed A Year Before His Death -
By Michael A Tree House Staff Anthony Bourdain, gifted chef, storyteller, and writer has died at 61. CNN confirmed Bourdain's death on Friday and said the cause of death was suicide. Anthony Bourdain took viewers around the world to explore culture, cuisine, and human experience for almost two decades. Bourdain mastered his crafts - both in the kitchen and in on screen. He helped people think differently about travel, food, and culture. He inspired people to explore and connect with the world around them. Anthony Bourdain was a true pioneer and influencer in every sense. He helped people see the world differently. In 2013 he was honored by the Peabody Award judges for “expanding our palates and horizons in equal measure.” Not only did he share with the world, he helped it. Bourdain was an activist for human progress. He advocated for the underprivileged and campaigned for safer working conditions. He was in France working on the 11th season of “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown” CNN when he committed suicide. Much like Anthony Bourdain, we beat addiction by fully engaging with the world around us. Read about Recovery in Action. Anthony Bourdain was an inspiration to us all in recovery. He was in recovery from heroin addiction. After overcoming his addiction, he learned to use his innate drive to become one of the greatest stars the culinary world has ever seen. His ability to communicate with people, use his intelligence, and his work ethic made him stand out. He was open about finding recovery through healthy living, redirecting his passions, and living an amazing life that involved helping others. It seemed he knew how to stay healthy. “We ask very simple questions: What makes you happy? What do you eat? What do you like to cook? And everywhere in the world we go and ask these very simple questions, we tend to get some really astonishing answers.” - Anthony Bourdain. At this time it is unknown if relapse was part of the saddening event. One can only speculate as to causes at this time. What we do know is that this is bringing the topic of suicide and mental health to a national audience, where it needs to be. This news is coming just days after famed fashion designer Kate Spade was found hanged in her Manhattan apartment. Suicide is an apparent and growing problem in the United States. Suicide rates increased by 25% across the United States over the course of almost two decades, according to The US centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Suicide has become far too common, with most of them not being talked about nationally. The topic of mental health and suicide prevention resources available are topics that need to always be discussed. Is our society missing something? With the rates growing, what can be done differently. Does it have to do with growing disconnect and reliance on technology to connect? People need to be connected with others - it is in our nature. It is important to be comfortable talking about feelings. The irrational belief that we need to bottle our emotions needs to be abolished. Anthony Bourdain has inspired everyone to be a better human being. Let’s use this devastating moment to carry on his legacy. Live for what he believed. Let us also use this moment as a reminder to speak about our feelings to others - and to listen if our friends need help. Musician Chris Cornell relapsed a year before his death. Read his story here. At Tree House Recovery, we’re helping men find freedom from addiction. Our treatment programs create sustainable change for sustainable recovery by helping men find their strength in body, mind, and spirit. For information on our Orange County programs, call us today: (855) 202-2138 Other Celebrities Who Have Struggled with Addiction:Remembering Anthony Bourdain: Suicide & Addiction Recovery -
Born February 20, 1967 as Kurt Donald Cobain, Nirvana’s lead singer was one of, if not the, premiere musical icon of Generation X [7]. He was credited with pioneering the “grunge” subgenre to Alternative Rock in America. At the time of his suicide, Cobain had a net worth of $150 million and was arguably one of the world’s most famous rock stars [4]. It’s because of this that people wonder why he ultimately decided to take his own life. Others speculate that perhaps his death was not a suicide at all. Cobain's Death by Suicide: On Friday, April 8th, 1994 Kurt Cobain was found dead from a gunshot in the outdoor greenhouse of his Seattle, Washington home [4]. Cobain's autopsy estimated the time of his death to be Tuesday, April 5th via a self-inflicted gunshot to the head [4]. SEE KURT COBAIN'S SUICIDE NOTE When police arrived they found a shotgun against his chin, a suicide note placed on top of a pile of potting soil, a pen staked through the middle of the note, a used syringe, about $100 of Mexican black tar heroin, a pack of Camel Lite cigarettes, a half-empty can of Barqs Root Beer, and towels presumably left by the singer to help clean up the mess [4]. The singer had been missing since fleeing a drug detox center in LA 9 days earlier. What Caused Cobain’s Suicide?:In the wake of Kurt’s suicide, those left behind all had the same question: why? Over the years, fans have come up with several possible explanations for why Kurt Cobain chose to commit suicide: Mental Illness: As an adolescent, Cobain was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder (or manic depression). This causes destabilizing swings between manic mood phases (rage, euphoria, excessive energy, overconfidence, and little need for sleep) and depressive mood phases (low energy, fatigue, low motivation, no interest in daily activities, and suicidal thoughts). These phases can last for months [8]. Family History of Suicide: Some also point to suicide’s genetic component. A year after his death, Cobain’s cousin Beverly confessed her own past struggle with suicidal ideation. She revealed that Kurt was the 3rd male Cobain to take his own life. All three used firearms [8] [4]. He Hated Stardom: It’s tempting to believe that Cobain’s feelings about his success led to his depression and eventually his suicide. But an examination of Cobain’s personal writings in the HBO Movie Montage of Heck revealed that he first attempted suicide in high ...Continue Reading Other Celebrities Who've Struggled with Addiction:The Cause and Controversy Of Kurt Cobain’s Suicide -
Zac Efron’s celebrity career launched when he was only 19 years old thanks to the financial success of High School Musical in 2006. The Disney channel release made the previously unknown California native an overnight success. Efron reprised his centerstage role of Troy Bolton in both the Disney sequels within the next two years -- effectively making him Disney’s new teenage “heartthrob”. Zac Efron Before and After The Cause of Efron’s Alcoholism: In an interview with Elle.com, Efron said he first turned to heavy drinking as a way to cope with the social pressures of his fame. Alcohol was a “social lubricant” and a way to deal with how surveilled the young celebrity felt. Everywhere he went, there were people waiting to snap his photo or ask him what he was doing, what he was wearing, who he was dating, etc. “It was an overwhelming amount of pressure,” said Efron about being followed or watched around the clock. Efron Finally Opens up About His Addiction It’s only human to worry about what others think of you. But when your livelihood lives and dies by your image, it can feel tempting to isolate yourself from prying eyes -- which is exactly what Efron did. As he became more hyper-aware of his image and what other people thought of him, he grew more depressed. Now unable to enjoy his former hobbies of surfing or skating every morning without worrying that he was being watched or photographed, Efron began starting his days by Googling himself to see the latest news or photos or commentaries. Alcoholism & Rehab: Efron soon found himself unexcited about nearly everything in his life: “when the only things I would look forward to was free time on the weekends and dreaded the start of a new week, I knew something was wrong.” In 2013, he quietly began attending alcoholics anonymous meetings but struggled to stay sober. After relapsing twice over the next year, he entered a rehab facility early in 2014 before his alcoholism became bad enough to affect his career. Efron’s Recovery: After finishing his program later in 2014, Efron became one of the few celebrities to open up about his struggles with alcohol in order to raise awareness and challenge the stigma behind addiction. Now 6 years sober, Efron advocates the sober lifestyle as well as using diet, exercise, and adventures to live a fulfilled life. Although the celebrity supports abstinence for those who struggle with addiction, he also recommends it to anyone interested in copying his impressive physique. Want To Be (new) Baywatch Buff? Say Bye to Booze: 2017 saw the release of the rebooted Baywatch starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson opposite to the somehow-equally buff Zac Efron. Boasting less than 5% body fat, Efron credited his sober lifestyle and a special workout routine for his impressive 12-week transformation before the role. Here’s the 12-week workout plan Efron used to get ripped for Baywatch. According to Efron, not drinking helps you shed the pounds more quickly, especially from your stomach, and protecting your hard-earned gains. The rest he says is a matter of being consistent with your eating. “The first three weeks are the hardest,” claims Efron. “But after that, your body stops craving the unhealthy snacks you used to love, and you’ll look forward to a healthy serving of fruits and proteins.” Did Zac Efron Use Fentanyl? Down to Earth with Zac Efron: Early in July 2020, Efron released the first episode of his latest project “Down to Earth with Zac Efron” a documentary about travel, life experience, nature, green energy, and healthy living practices. Although the series features jaw-dropping scenery and adventures, Efron’s unscripted dialogue has received some mixed reviews. However, one thing all the critics have agreed on so far is that you can’t help but like Zac Efron. Will Zac Efron Play Captain Jack in the New Pirates of the Caribbean? Other Celebrities Who Have Struggled with Addiction: Start Your Recovery Today: If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse, it’s important not to wait to get help. Addiction and relapse are nothing to be ashamed of. Like Efron, your life will change for the better after treatment. Call us today at 855-202-2138.Zac Efron’s Journey From Alcoholism