Philip Seymour Hoffman Heroin Use
In our society, we often hold actors near to our hearts. Whether we laugh at the performance of actors who dedicate their efforts to comedy or form a genuine connection with more serious characters portrayed with such mastery, we cherish the people that take us on such emotional journeys. Yet, it takes extraordinary artists to make us relate to characters that fill us with great amounts of pity or even disgust. And for one of those talented few, the late Philip Seymour Hoffman heroin use led to his untimely death.
Hoffman stated on numerous occasions that he believed success was not a sole determinant of happiness. Instead, he believed that good works and love would make for a far greater degree of fulfillment. Sadly, Hoffman’s life was cut short on February 2nd, 2014. His death occurred after overdosing on a combination of drugs including Heroin, Cocaine, Benzodiazepines, and Amphetamine. While this fatal Hollywood news came as a shock to many, he did have a history of drug use.
Hoffman’s Relapse and Addiction
Throughout numerous interviews, Hoffman gave testimony regarding his long history of battling addiction. He first began substance abuse as a teenager. During his late teens, he started abusing prescription painkillers and alcohol.
Over time, he eventually escalated into snorting and injecting Heroin. However, at the age of twenty-two, Hoffman was admitted into a drug and Alcohol rehab where he was able to begin his recovery.
Hoffman often stated that the timing of his recovery may have very saved his life. Given that he entered recovery before his career in Hollywood, he believed that he would have overdosed at an early age had he still have been addicted once he was in the Hollywood lifestyle.
While he spent the majority of his later years in recovery, he experienced a relapse in 2013, after a growing dependence on pain medications once again escalated to snorting Heroin. He maintained 23 years of recovery. Unfortunately, much to the heartbreak of many, his second period of abstinence did not last as long.
Actor Tragically Dies from Overdose
Hoffman was found dead on the bathroom floor of his apartment in New York, with a syringe in his arm. According to reports from the overseeing coroner, Hoffman was said to have a combination of Heroin, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, and Benzodiazepines.
Most cases of overdoses often include a combination of different substances, often known as poly-drug use. Because of the different chemical natures of each substance, the effects and health risks are substantially amplified.
In addition, periods of abstinence also contribute to a low tolerance, so individuals who initially use are also at an increased risk of overdosing after a period of abstinence. With these combined factors, the overdose was ruled to be accidental in nature.
The death of Philip Seymour Hoffman was felt around the world. Not only did his death impact his audiences who were enthralled by his gift for acting, but those close to him have lost a family member and friend who lived with the purpose of bringing joy to those around him.
While the damage done to Philip Seymour Hoffman cannot be undone, those who are still suffering from addiction can get help within treatment program before they are overcome by an overdose. If you or someone you love is currently addicted, it is vital to get help as soon as possible. We treasure our celebrities, but every life is worth saving.
