When he was 73 years old, the legendary music icon Ray Charles died on June 10, 2004. Many regarded the blind musician as a musical genius. He received a number of awards, accolades and was the first to barter musical deals that were unheard of at the time.
The cause of his death of such a talented and smart man? Liver failure, resulting from acute liver disease and hepatitis C.
What led to these diseases? A long-sustained drug addiction.
Ray had a very long history of substance abuse, including heroin and alcohol. He even responded to the situations caused by his drug use and reform with the songs "I Don't Need No Doctor", "Let's Go Get Stoned", and the release of his first album since having kicked his heroin addiction in 1966, "Crying Time."
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By 2003, Ray was diagnosed with alcoholic liver disease and hepatitis C.
"If I knew I was going to live this long," he added with an ironic smile, "I would have taken better care of myself," Ray said.
The Main Reason Why People Abuse Drugs
Many people do not understand why people become addicted to drugs. They mistakenly view drug abuse and addiction as strictly a social problem and may characterize those who take drugs as weak. One very common belief is that drug abusers should be able to just stop taking drugs if they are only willing to change their behavior.
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Many don't understand that drug abuse is very much a disease.
People generally take drugs to either feel good or to feel better, since drugs affect the motivation and pleasure pathways of the brain. What people often underestimate is the complexity of drug addiction. Many don't understand that stopping drug abuse is not simply a matter of willpower.
In Ray's case it was said he began using drugs to stop the frequent nightmares...,
... voices and visions he would get after witnessing his brother's death at a young age.
For many, traumatic events can trigger drug use and abuse in individuals if some other form of therapy isn't found.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, seek out help, if not professional, then at least with a family member or friend who has your best interests at heart. Also, remember to keep busy. Try taking up a hobby or sport that help maximize your time and thoughts.
Breaking Down The Drug Addiction
Drug addiction is a chronic brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use. Drug addiction is a brain disease because the abuse of drugs leads to changes in the structure and function of the brain. Although it is true that, for most people, drug use is voluntary, changes in the brain over time, caused by repeated drug abuse, can affect a person's ability to control the abuse, and their subsequent actions.
It is because of these changes in the brain that it is so challenging for a person who is addicted to stop abusing drugs. Fortunately, there are treatments that help people to counteract addiction's powerful disruptive effects and regain control. Research shows that combining addiction treatment medications, if available, with behavioral therapy is the best way to ensure success for most patients. Treatment approaches that are tailored to each patient's drug abuse patterns and any concurrent medical, psychiatric, and social problems can lead to sustained recovery and a life without drugs.
The main thing to remember is, it's never too late to seek help. Ray did it, and so can you.
