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. 

Family Roles in Recovery

Addiction poses an array of issues for a family. Loved ones will search for ways to help their addicted family members through means that enable or increase the individual’s tendencies to pursue their addiction, rather than address the behavior head-on. Because loved ones look to each other for support, assistance and guidance, education, support and involvement of the surrounding family members throughout recovery is vital to the successful treatment of the addict. In this entry, we will discuss some of the roles of family throughout the healing process.

Benefits

Studies show a direct correlation between family and social support and diminished relapse risks in recovering addicts. As such, it is crucial that family support be a top priority throughout the treatment process to ensure a heightened chance of long-term success.

Compliance

A family’s involvement throughout a recovery program, works to promote an addict’s commitment to the process. Family confrontation and encouragement can often mean the difference between an addict defecting or remaining in treatment. Loved ones are often best suited to warn recovering addicts of potential relapse signs and dangers while encouraging compliance with the recovery process.

Self Expression

Close friends and family members will often experience feelings of anger, resentment, fear and mistrust toward the addict. A family’s continued involvement throughout the recovery process promotes the expression of these feelings, while encouraging a loving and proactive family dynamic moving forward.

 Penetrating Denial

Explaining pertinent details of the behaviors exemplified by the addict while under the influence can often serve as a catalyst in overcoming denial. Vivid and sometimes painful realizations pertaining to the extent of the addiction will often result in a true desire to carry out the recovery process during the early treatment stages.

Support

Because addiction affects both addict and family alike, mutual support is vital to both parties. Participants are educated about the addiction, enabling, the types of substances involved, relapse signs, and how best to avoid relapse risks.

Family members are taught lessons in self-awareness while learning how to focus on their own needs. Family members struggling with their own addiction troubles will also receive support and guidance in addressing their own issues.