Whitney Houston Sought Treatment Many Times- Let Her Rest in Peace.

Whitney Houston's battles with drug addiction were well known. The White House Drug Czar calls this a teachable moment. “This is a moment the country can recognize prescription drugs can be very powerful, addicting and quite dangerous.”

If Houston is deemed to have died from a prescription drug overdose, she wouldn't be the first celebrity to die this way. Michael Jackson died from a fatal dose of a powerful drug his doctor prescribed. A combination of “legal" drugs, painkillers, sleeping pills and anti-depressants killed actor Heath Ledger, and Anna Nicole Smith overdosed on a combination of over the counter and prescription drugs. The list is long and growing.

Yet, in spite of overwhelming evidence to the contrary, much of society has attached a stigma to addiction which discourages alcoholics and addicts, and those who love them, from seeking the help they need. Even though the American Medical Association (AMA) has recognized alcohol and drug addiction as chronic medical illness like other chronic diseases, many people think of it as a moral failing saying that “alcoholics and addicts lack fortitude or strength”.

This couldn’t be further from the truth. Nobody chooses to let their life go down the drain. Houston repeatedly and courageously sought treatment on many occasions. Unfortunately, relapse is common. In fact, for many addicts and their families, coping with addiction is a heartbreaking process of multiple remissions followed by multiple relapses.

Those who judge addicted people harshly should take note that addiction is a medical condition and not a personal weakness. Whether addicted to alcohol or drugs, addiction is a chronic, incurable, progressive disease that is usually fatal if left untreated. Living successfully with addiction requires persistent personal effort combined with the ongoing help of others.

There are many models of addiction treatment. The most famous, and most widely practiced, are 12 step programs of recovery. The 12 step process of recovery has been practiced since the late 1930’s when the landmark book “Alcoholics Anonymous” was first published. Persistent and thorough effort in following a daily, prescribed program of recovery in combination with the regular help of others, and professional help as needed, is central to this long established process. Many people find recovery from addiction through the 12step process and other models of addiction treatment, but sadly many others who also try their best, are not as fortunate.

Addiction is a disease. To date, moralizing about those who try and succeed, versus those who try and fail, has done little to change addiction treatment outcomes. Perhaps those who choose to judge people suffering from the disease of addiction would do well to remember the humble prayer “There but for the grace of God go I. ”

Maybe then, those who try their best, yet fail, can be left to rest in peace.