Drug Addiction Stories

Lady Gaga is a pop star quite popular in the UK with some of her songs reaching number one.  She has a life of celebrity status and a story common to quite a few in the music world.  She has a history of cocaine addiction by her own admission.

It is advantageous to youth today that a celebrity will come right out on her own and tell her story despite objections from her label and publicist.  She can perhaps let young people know that no one is perfect, if there is a drug problem seek help from your parents or a counselor.  Honesty from a pop star such as Lady Gaga could help more teenagers by bringing a positive reinforcement to the drug problems of today, letting our young people know they can receive help.

On the other hand, it does seem rather simplistic, the way Lady Gaga states she overcame her cocaine addiction problem.  For those truly immersed in the world of drug addiction, it really isn’t so easy as simply having your parent look at you and say “you’re screwing up” (paraphrased) and then you say to yourself “oh yeah, well I will just stop right now” (again paraphrased).

One also wonders if a cocaine addiction is really and truly over when she openly admits that not only does she drink but she “parties”.  What does that mean in the world of pop culture today?  We hope that double standards do not apply here for the truth is, one has either beaten an addiction or not.  If you “party” meaning you use drugs, then you are not really “clean”, are you?  However, party could mean something entirely different and innocent, such as simply staying up half the night listening to music and talking and dancing with friends without the use of any drugs whatsoever.

So perhaps we should give her the benefit of the doubt.  If she can present herself as a positive role model status for younger people to fight an addiction problem, then she deserves kudos.  The fact that Lady Gaga openly admits to the cocaine addiction can be a positive step for teens around the world to seek help.  That she is willing to openly speak of it despite what management around her says tells this writer that she may even be material for a book or could make a wonderful spokesperson for those who help young people fight drug addiction.