The Hollywood connection Media stars and the talented creators in their orbit have hardly been immune to the effects of substance abuse. The list of Hollywood luminaries who have suffered from various drug, drink and smoking-related problems includes many of the most famous names in show business. Every family has been touched by drug abuse and addiction in some way. Many like Voight now realize they can use to the power of their celebrity to help millions in their battles against the insidious power of drugs. And by supporting an accurate portrayal of the hazards of these substances, they can also prevent millions more from taking that first step down a dark, dangerous road.
Addiction is a biologic disease with a genetic basis.
The hallmark is progressive use in the face of adverse consequence, and denial. Abuse, on the other hand, is the inappropriate use of substances that have no therapeutic value. In either case, it's a brain disease. The research is a lot more convincing than public-service message metaphors of eggs cracking in frying pans. The high-tech photography clearly reveals devastation to serotonin sites throughout the brain, even three weeks after drug use has stopped.