Addiction of Whitney Houston

The term addiction describes an overpowering desire for something beyond our control. Despite being aware of its harmful effects on oneself and loved ones, addicts persist in using the substance or engaging in the behavior that they are addicted to. This dependency alters the way the brain functions by interfering with its ability to process pleasure signals.

As a result, addiction disrupts the typical brain functions that support learning and motivation. While it is easy to fall into addiction, overcoming it is extremely challenging. This article examines the factors that lead to addiction, barriers to rehabilitation, and the reasons for relapse or successful recovery, using the life of Whitney Houston as an example.

Whitney Houston was born in a middle-class neighborhood in Newark, New Jersey on August 9th, 1963. She was the third child of John Russell Houston, an entertainment director, and Cissy Houston, a gifted gospel musician. At the young age of twenty-two, Houston announced her debut album, which produced three chart-topping singles. She later released other hit singles and even earned a Grammy award.

Order custom essay Addiction of Whitney Houston with free plagiarism report

450+ experts on 30 subjects Starting from 3 hours delivery

Get Essay Help

Despite her success, her career suffered after marrying Bobby, who many believe introduced her to drugs. However, Bobby Brown denies these allegations, stating that Houston was already addicted to drugs before they met. Houston's accomplishments extended beyond music as she also excelled in modeling and acting. She appeared in the movie The Bodyguard and graced the cover of Seventeen magazine in 1980. Houston's musical prowess earned her a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most decorated female musician. However, her struggles with drug addiction, legal issues, and tumultuous marriage to Bobby Brown overshadowed her achievements.

In 2002, Houston admitted to using cocaine, alcohol, prescription drugs, and marijuana during an interview with Diane Sawyer. She sought rehabilitation in 2004, but relapsed and returned in 2005 and 2011. Tragically, in 2012, Houston passed away in a hotel room in Los Angeles due to drug-related complications.

Environmental cues can intensify the transmission of dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the human brain. This neurotransmitter plays a pivotal role in driving the yearning or compulsion that addicts experience towards their addictive substance, such as drugs or chocolate. In Whitney Houston's case, the drug she commonly abused was cocaine, which stimulates its users and heightens their urge to consume more. The mechanism of action of cocaine involves hastening the movement of dopamine into the brain's reward system, resulting in a state of depletion for the user.

Whitney Houston's drug of choice was crack cocaine, which she smoked rather than snorted in its powdered form, as it produces a more intense high. Crack is also reputed to function as a potent aphrodisiac and is among the most commonly abused drugs by celebrities, along with marijuana. Whitney's protracted abuse of crack cocaine may have drastically altered the chemistry of her brain.

To understand Whitney Houston's addiction, it is essential to recognize her as a woman. The psychological impact of drug addiction on women differs significantly from that on men. Women often use drugs for different reasons than men and with unique motivations.

Whitney's drug use was probably motivated by mood management rather than thrill-seeking or risk-taking. Women face more significant obstacles than men when it comes to addiction treatment, as they are less likely to seek rehabilitation. Despite having used crack cocaine before meeting Bobby Brown, it took Whitney until 2004 to enter rehab. Earlier intervention might have saved her.

Like many addicts, Whitney likely began her drug use with a single puff or snort. Though her age of initial drug use is unclear, she used drugs for most of her life. Her older brother Michael, whom she admired, was a user and reportedly introduced her to drugs. This underscores the influence that addicted family members can have on those who look up to them.

Whitney's marriage to Bobby Brown in 1992 marked a turning point in her addiction. Bobby was open about his use of crack and marijuana and was abusive. The abuse she suffered in her tumultuous marriage exacerbated her substance abuse. She turned to drugs to escape the turmoil in her personal life. By the time they divorced in 2007, Whitney had already been in rehab three times.

Whitney's early entry into celebrity life and the associated pressures accelerated her dependence on drugs and alcohol. She was required to meet strict deadlines while also being a wife and mother, a taxing situation that can take a toll on anyone. Her addiction progressed gradually but steadily, surrounded by other users and people who could not guide her to seek help. By the time she entered rehab, Whitney was already entrenched in her addiction. An earlier intervention may have saved her life.

evised: Recovery from cocaine addiction is possible, though it requires significant effort. However, there are various obstacles that may impede this process. In the case of Whitney Houston, her family was not supportive enough to aid her in her recovery, which made it challenging for her to manage rehabilitation while also dealing with other emotional issues, such as divorce and inheritance disputes.

Moreover, Whitney should have distanced herself from Bobby Brown, as he reminded her of her drug problem and was a significant trigger for her relapses. One more obstacle to effective recovery is denial of the addiction. For many years, Whitney refused to admit she had a problem and only sought help after more than ten years of struggling with addiction. Many celebrities view confession of addiction as harmful to their career and, thus, prefer to suffer silently until it is too late.

In conclusion, people use drugs for various reasons, but drug addiction can be a severe and potentially deadly condition. Early detection is critical, and proper therapy can help with rehabilitation. It is essential for family and friends to take initiatives to support addicts in overcoming their substance addiction. Similarly, addicts themselves must acknowledge that they have a problem and seek professional help.

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Run a free check or have your essay done for you

Check my essay Hire Writer