If you have ever seen the television show “House,” you may be aware that Dr. House, played by actor Hugh Laurie, is addicted to the prescription painkiller Vicodin. What you may not realize is that Vicodin abuse can lead to damaging long-term health consequences for the addict, including permanent deafness. Yet, for the most part, the audience sees all of Dr. House’s malignant charm and none of the side effects of the addiction – from the nodding associated with the abuse of any opiate to losing one’s job for being intoxicated at work: effects that many Vicodin abusers might experience (Read Opiate Abuse: What Are the Signs?). These types of omissions about – and, in some cases, glamorization of – substance abuse or addiction by the mainstream media, which mask the potential for serious problems as a result of substance abuse, led researchers at Johns Hopkins University to explore the ethical implications of the media’s portrayal of celebrity addictions as well as the other behaviors and problems that their addictions lead to.

What did the study find?

The study examined 166 television and print stories about celebrities and drunk driving. Most of the stories emphasized jail time and potential damage to the celebrities’ personal and professional reputations. Although there were numerous opportunities to mention the health consequences of substance abuse, few articles did so. According to the study, only one of the stories proposed that a designated driver be considered. Few articles interviewed health professionals, preferring to cite the opinions of legal professionals or those in law enforcement. One of the authors of the study noted that many of those who would be interested in celebrity news would also be in an age bracket that could benefit from hearing the important message of the dangers of driving drunk (Read Drugged Driving).

What celebrities have been in the news for addiction or substance abuse problems?

In addition to those who have made the news (and sometimes been arrested) for driving while intoxicated – like Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton – numerous other celebrities have made headlines for problems related to substance abuse, addictions, or behavioral disorders. In the past few years, the lethal overdoses of Heath Ledger and Anna Nicole Smith have been put into the foreground (Read Overdose). David Duchovny raised awareness about sex addiction when he entered a rehab facility in 2008

What can I do if someone I know has a problem with alcohol, drugs, or addictive behaviors?

Despite the sometimes glamorized image presented by the media, addictions can be devastating for both the addict and their family (Read Alcoholism’s Effects on the Family), causing many physical, mental, financial, and even legal difficulties (Read When Drugs Lead to Other Problems). If you or someone you know is struggling to overcome addiction to alcohol, prescription medicines, illicit substances, or a behavior (like sex or gambling), we encourage you to call eDrugRehab today. Our intervention and addiction specialists have helped numerous addicts and their families begin the path to recovery (Read Why You Shouldn’t Fight Addiction Alone). We can help you arrange, prepare for, and implement an intervention if the addict continues to deny that there is a problem (Read How to Deal with Denial; and Intervention FAQ). We can also help you find the right rehab facility for your needs and budget (Read What to Ask a Rehab; and How to Pay for Rehab). Visit the Contact Us page to learn how you can speak with someone today.