The Legacy of Cory Monteith

The hit TV show “Glee” regularly depicts real-world issues within the confines of William McKinley High School. The episodes only pale in comparison to the recent death of star Cory Monteith.

The actor passed away this past July at age 31 due to a toxic combination of alcohol and heroin, according to the Canadian coroner’s report.

On “Glee”, Cory played a singer/clean-cut quarterback on his way to college. However, the actor was quick to let fans know just how different his own story really was.

Cory freely discussed details of his past with the press: drinking and drug use at age 13, high school drop out and stealing to account for the next high. Following an intervention from family and friends, Cory decided to seek help for his drug addiction at age 19.

Over time, Cory was able to clean himself up, begin acting, and in 2009, shot to stardom with the cast of “Glee”. By all accounts, Cory was a beautiful individual inside and out.

However, like many recovering addicts, Cory struggled with sobriety. Reports confirm that the actor voluntarily re-entered a rehabilitation facility in March of this year, successfully completing a 30-day program. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t enough.

Cory’s death is but another reminder of the perils associated with drug and alcohol abuse. Athlete or artist, poor or rich, old or young, struggling or successful – nobody is safe.

When one star overdoses, fans mourn by the millions. The sad fact is that drug and alcohol abuse takes hundreds of thousands of wonderful people each year, with little to no attention from the general public.

It’s important to view Cory’s struggle as an example for families to follow. His addiction and demise do not make him a hypocrite. They make him a human being.

Surely, Cory Monteith would prefer that his fans and friends do more than mourn another celebrity death. When “Glee” returns to living rooms this coming season, the producers will likely pay tribute. They may even present a story to help fans avoid the same pitfalls.

Here’s hoping that Cory’s story motivates each of us to take a stand for the generations to come. 

Helping A Friend Through A Prescription Drug Addiction

The term “drug addict” typically conjures images of street junkies, prostitutes, and lost causes. Over the years, drugs such as crack, heroin, and meth amphetamine have taken hold of a general populous perception regarding addiction and drug use; Prescription drug use is often shrugged aside. However, this type of addiction can be much more dangerous, damaging, and common than most people realize. In this entry, we will discuss tips to help you address a prescription drug addiction affecting a loved one.

1 – Begin attending Nar-Anon meetings. Nar-Anon is the narcotics equivalent to Al-Anon, founded as a support means for those whose friends and family members have been stricken by narcotics addiction. If you have any chance of helping your loved one, you must first make certain that you are properly equipped to do so. Nar-Anon will help.

2 – Consider the possibility of intervention. A quick call to our Los Angeles drug rehab facility can place you in touch with a professional interventionist who can properly address the situation at hand. Many addicts, regardless of the specific addiction, are working through some form of denial. Organizing an intervention will serve in helping your lived one come to grips with the situation, while pushing towards a healthy and happy solution for all involved.

3 – Quit enabling. Those closest to drug and alcohol addicts often enable them to continue destructive behaviors through finances, housing, or other support means. Though it may be tough to watch your loved one suffer, it is important to understand that it is a crucial part of the recovery process for both you AND the addict. Once your loved one has exhausted all of their options, they will be forced to seek out help for their dependency issues.

4 – Support your loved one by whatever means possible. Attending 12 step recovery programs, communicate, and listen to what they have to say on the topic. By making a concerted effort to continue supporting the individual throughout their recovery, you will be doing your part to ensure a successful and long-lasting outcome.