Should Hollywood Look To The MLB For Guidance on Its Drug Problem?
I am still trying to come to terms with the untimely passing of Brittany Murphy. Of course, Hollywood is full of sad tales of artistic journeys of self-destruction, but somehow that doesn't jibe with what we know about Brittany. While so far, her death appears to be from "natural causes," reports of large quantities of prescription drugs cluttering her nightstand brings to mind the story of another talented actor whose life was cut short: Heath Ledger.
I don't believe Brittany killed herself, was killed by her husband or even intended on dying at the age of 32. I think she was killed by a culture which encourages artistic types to cloister their pain, hide their tics and pretend to be something they aren't. The demands of Hollywood are often under-reported in contrast to the benefits, and living a healthy lifestyle is in contrary to the face-paced, falsely glamorous trappings of fame and wealth.
The list of prescription drugs in Brittany's name reads like a medicine cabinet belonging to somehow who was having a difficult time coping with some major physical and mental problems. TMZ reports the following drugs were found in the home belonging to Brittany:
Topamax (anti-seizure meds also to prevent migraines), Methylprednisolone (anti-inflammatory), Fluoxetine (depression med), Klonopin (anxiety med), Carbamazepine (treats Diabetic symptoms and is also a bipolar med), Ativan (anxiety med), Vicoprofen (pain reliever), Propranolol (hypertension, used to prevent heart attacks), Biaxin (antibiotic), Hydrocodone (pain med) and miscellaneous vitamins.
Painkillers, anti-anxiety meds, Diabetic meds, depression meds. Surely, by now, we know you can't mix these drugs indiscriminately and after the deaths of Anna Nicole, Heath Ledger and Michael Jackson, one would think Hollywood's elite would feel a sense of responsibility to change the culture which fosters this grotesque over-medicating.
Continued on the next page
Follow Technorati