Brain Brawn & Body Your Daily Dose February 4
Dear Reader:
The sudden and somewhat shocking death of actor Phillip Seymour Hoffman, due to an apparent drug overdose, has once again raised the issue of substance abuse in our society. This despite the continued efforts of medical professionals and drug counselors to stem the tide of abuse and addiction.
I say somewhat shocking because Hoffman had a sad history of drug abuse dating back some two decades. He had undergone rehabilitation, but fell off the wagon sometime last year.
I hope we’re paying attention. Our children’s lives depend on it. And not only our children, but adults, some like Hoffman who was 46, and others who are less financially able to support a drug habit, all need to be reminded - even confronted.
The following article penned by Associated Press entertainment writer Sandy Cohen provides the details, known to date, about Hoffman’s life and death, but more importantly, alerts us to the reemerging dangers of drug addiction and abuse in our society.
Hoffman Among Thousands of Addiction Victims
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Philip Seymour Hoffman suffered from a chronic medical condition that required ongoing treatment. An admitted drug addict who first sought professional help more than two decades ago, Hoffman apparently succumbed to his illness with an overdose despite a return to rehab last March.
A father of three with a thriving career, the Oscar winner died Sunday with a needle in his arm and baggies of what appeared to be heroin nearby. New York City medical examiners were conducting an autopsy on Hoffman's body Monday as investigators scrutinize evidence found in his apartment, including at least four dozen plastic packets, some confirmed to have contained heroin.
His death, which came after a long period of sobriety that ended last year, "epitomizes the tragedy of drug addiction in our society," said Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
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Eric Von
Publisher/Editor
