Fans of all ages were shaken by the devastating news of Friends star Matthew Perry’s untimely passing on October 28, 2023. While the cause of his early passing has not been made public, many are reminded of his years of addiction that were a focus of his recent memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” in which he outlines 15 rehabilitation stays, 65 detox sessions and 14 surgeries that were related to his opioid addiction. The book opens by detailing the story of how, at 49 years of age, after being in drug-induced constipation for days, Matthew Perry’s colon exploded, which sent him into a coma for two weeks. After five months of recovery in the hospital, which included needing a temporary colostomy, Matthew narrowly escaped death. Looking back on addiction, many speculate that years of addiction played a role in his untimely death at the age of 54. Still, others may be shocked to learn that this talented star struggled with such problems away from the public eye.
The Impact of Addiction
Addiction to drugs and alcohol is linked to a range of harmful physical and mental health outcomes, many of which can shorten an individual’s life.
- Overdose: This is the most direct and immediate risk. Many drugs, especially opioids like heroin or prescription painkillers, can lead to fatal overdoses. In 2019, nearly 71,000 people in the United States died from a drug overdose, with opioids involved in 70% of those deaths.
- Liver Disease: Chronic alcohol use can lead to alcoholic liver disease, which includes conditions like fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Liver diseases can be fatal, and in the U.S., alcohol-related liver disease was the primary cause of almost 1 in 3 liver transplants in 2009.
- Cardiovascular Disease: Both stimulant use (like cocaine or methamphetamine) and excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events.
- Respiratory Issues: Opioids can depress respiratory function, leading to potentially fatal respiratory failure. Smoking drugs like crack cocaine or methamphetamine can lead to respiratory diseases and lung damage.
- Infections: Injecting drugs can increase the risk of infections like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C if users share needles. These infections can significantly reduce life expectancy.
- Accidents and Injuries: Substance use can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction times, leading to an increased risk of accidents, falls, and other injuries. Alcohol, for instance, is involved in a significant proportion of fatal road accidents.
- Cancers: Alcohol consumption is a risk factor for several types of cancer, including mouth, esophagus, breast, liver, and colon cancer. Tobacco and drug use can also increase cancer risks.
- Mental Health Issues: Substance use disorders are frequently comorbid with mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. These can indirectly influence lifespan by increasing the risk of suicide or other health complications.
- Social and Economic Factors: Addiction can lead to social isolation, unemployment, homelessness, and involvement with the criminal justice system, all of which can contribute to poorer health outcomes and a reduced lifespan.
- Malnutrition and Physical Decline: Chronic substance use can lead to decreased appetite, gastrointestinal problems, and malnutrition, further compromising health.
Unfortunately, addictions often are not immediately noticeable, as many individuals can function at home, school, and work for many years as health concerns mount. These are the types of addictions that sometimes worry family members and friends but are invisible to work colleagues or the community. Essentially, these are the addictions we teach others to reluctantly accept or carry on in such a way that they are subtly ignored.
Christian Counseling Associates (CCA) has counselors who can provide expert, confidential rehabilitation counseling for addictions. We strive to help individuals and families understand and overcome deadly issues like long-term addiction.
We are saddened by the loss of so many talented and precious lives that have been shortened by addiction. If you or someone you care about is caught up in a mounting addiction, reach out to us today for an evaluation. The key is to reach out before years of addiction have taken a physical toll. Are you struggling silently with a mounting addiction?
