Top Five Most Famous Cocaine Users
Cocaine, as a matter of criminal law and public health policy, is considered as one of the most dangerous drugs in the world–bringing addiction to those who abuse it and even death and imprisonment to those who take part in its illegal trade. What present day cocaine does to the human mind and body was not as evident in its early years with the Incas. In fact, the drug’s origins can be traced to a fairly medicinal leaf chewed by Incans for more than a thousand years even before the Spaniards came.
Early use of coca
The early Incans chewed the leaves of the coca plant for relaxation. Its numbing effect was taken as a relaxant that gave them the feeling of release and contentment. Chewing coca leaves had a stimulant effect on the Incans, renewing their zest and vigor at times.(1)
Food and beverage enhancement
Europeans eventually developed an interest in coca leaves. However, bringing these back to Europe in leaf or plant form would not be possible; they would rot throughout the voyage. Finally, in the 1800s, cocaine was extracted. It eventually found its way into the food and beverages of Europeans and into the Mariani wine. This wine was even endorsed by Roman Catholic Pope, Leo XIII, for its restorative effects on drinkers.(2) A world famous soda drink also had cocaine in its original recipe, but removed it in the later years.(3)
Medical uses of Cocaine
Medical practitioners eventually gained an interest in cocaine because of its curative effects observed in Latin America Indians. It was initially used as an analgesic, numbing parts of the body and getting rid of the pain one felt. It was also seen as a cure to alcoholism, which was then a prevailing problem in countries such as the US.(4)
When the pleasant effects of cocaine eventually wear off, users become addicted and afflicted with different kinds of maladies to the mind and body. Eventually, it was banned and made illegal to import, make, sell, and use in the US in the early 1900s.(5)
Recreational use and subsequent addiction
Cocaine also had effects on the mind that many users find very appealing. In order to experience that high, users need to take this illegal drug on a regular basis. This eventually leads to addiction when users find that they cannot seem to feel any better if they stop taking cocaine. Aside from affecting one’s mental capacities, the body also suffers depending on the form of the cocaine and how it is taken. Through prolonged use and combination with other substances, one may develop respiratory, cardiovascular, and even nervous ailments that may cause impairment and even death.(6) From famous celebrities to ordinary people, cocaine figures in many drug overdose incidents. Continued use also results in behavioral changes that then causes riffs in relationships. Cocaine users are also known to have troubles at work and making enough money because of their expensive vices. Fortunately, through assisted or forced drug and alcohol rehabilitation, it does not always have to end this way.
Cocaine abuse and drug rehabilitation
Cocaine users do have a choice. By seeking treatment in drug and alcohol rehab facilities, recovery could be within their grasp. Aside from detoxification, patients will also undergo counseling or even join group therapies. These will not only help them with the withdrawal symptoms, but they are also known to help them build their own self-esteem along with their broken relationships. The success of drug and alcohol rehab not only lies on the patient but from support of family and friends as well. Various treatments are available for in-patient or out-patient care. Though full recovery could take time, taking a small step closer to this goal could make a huge difference.
Contrary to common perception, cocaine users still have a chance to make a better life by starting anew. Listed below are some of the famous, self-confessed cocaine users who were able to make great contributions to human history.
Sigmund Freud
The father of psychoanalysis, Dr. Sigmund Freud, was an advocate of cocaine, citing its numbing effect suitable for use as an analgesic or as an anesthetic. He even recommended cocaine to other doctors.(7) However, he also wrote a number of in-depth treatises and papers about the so-called “magic drug” and its effects on the mind and spirit. Though he first observed its effects on another individual (Ernest von Fleischl) later on, Dr. Freud came up with his own descriptions of the experience while under the influence. Coccaine use, in the case of Freud, was part of his experimentation and in-depth study. The curious doctor learned about its real effects after getting into the experience itself. Still, it didn’t affect his genius, as he was able to come up with remarkable studies and conclusions to benefit even the future generations.(8)
Robin Williams
Academy Award winner Robin Williams is not only one of Hollywood’s top actors but also a self-confessed former cocaine addict. Back in the late 70s, Williams got hooked to this illegal drug. He once said that “Cocaine is God’s way of telling you, you’re making too much money.” He used to snort cocaine with actor John Belushi and was said to be among the last people to see him alive. Before he even got close to ruining his career and family, Williams was able to quit for good. The birth of his boy and the demise of an old friend willed him do it.(9) Though still flawed in many ways, Williams demonstrated that he had the will to overcome his bad habits. In fact, he even got himself to an alcohol rehab center voluntarily and even issued a statement about being sober for 20 years and slowly drifting back to alcoholism. Today, the Hollywood actor continues to reap awards for his film performances.(10)
Tim Allen
Before he tinkered with the power tools and had Pamela Anderson kickstart her career in his show, Tim Allen was a cocaine user. He was caught in a buy-bust operation in 1978 but was eventually freed after he turned state witness.(10) Tim Allen then went on to become a successful stand up comic, comedian-actor, and now has his own line of power tools. He made a complete a turnaround. As another household name, Allen was also known to use the comic approach to tell about his experiemces. Obviously, he now has a more cheerful outlook in life.
Stephen King
Prolific writer Stephen King made many readers feel the shivers with his countless horror novels but he himself faced his own demons during the time he was a cocaine user. Thankfully, friends and family saved him from the habit till he went on to write even more bestsellers.(11) Today, King is no longer immersed in his bad habit but in his critically acclaimed works, writing more horror novels for his awaiting fans worldwide. He is also one of the most prolific authors in the fiction world today, reportedly writing every day even during Christmas.
Robert Louis Stevenson
The case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde was a testament to the innate evil in everyone. The book’s author, Robert Louis Stevenson, also confronted his own cocaine-induced demons in his time. Stevenson was a sickly man; cocaine and other drugs were probably prescribed to him to ease pain and discomfort till they turned into vices.(12) Robert Louis Stevenson could have seen himself in the characters he made. There’s the good and bad side. But nearing the end of his life, the distant author then learned to enjoy the company of friends and other people, finally defeating his own demons.
Like any other recreational drug, the intake of cocaine could inspire creativity but with prolonged use can also result in one’s own demise. Before this happens, cocaine users could go for complete turn around, save broken relationships, and start a new life with the help of drug and alcohol rehab. Perhaps they could even make their own contributions and be part of a list similar to this one after several years.
Sources:
(1) http://www.botgard.ucla.edu/html/botanytextbooks/economicbotany/Erythroxylum/
(2) http://www.cocanaturally.com/
(3) http://therapistunlimited.com/rehabs/Articles/Drug+Abuse/A+Brief+History+of+Cocaine/
(4) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocaine
(5) http://www.substanceabuse105.com/cocaineabuse.php
(6) http://therapistunlimited.com/rehabs/Articles/Drug+Abuse/A+Brief+History+of+Cocaine/
(7) http://www.botgard.ucla.edu/html/botanytextbooks/economicbotany/Erythroxylum/
(8) http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/19106
(9) http://www.nndb.com/people/606/000022540/
(10) http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=2515796
(11) http://www.nndb.com/people/279/000025204/
(12) http://www.theage.com.au/news/books/a-sad-face-behind-the-scary-mask/2006/11/23/1163871548220.html?page=4
(13) http://www.veryimportantpotheads.com/site/rlstevenson.htm
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