Celebrity Substance Abuse Deaths

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“Say no to drugs” is not just a slogan, but an imperative plea. Many of the world’s greatest talents— artists, actors, musicians, and more— have been suffered from substance abuse. Unfortunately, those who never get help run the risk of having their vice(s) become the very thing that ends their life.

Keep scrolling for a list of celebrity deaths caused by substance abuse.

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MATTHEW PERRY

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Perry overdosed on ketamine in 2023. Though he was using it to treat depression (initially prescribed by his normal doctors), it was later found that five additional parties were guilty of providing him with additional dangerous amounts—leading to his death.

One doctor even wrote in a text message, “I wonder how much this moron will pay” and “Lets find out,” according to APNews.com

See: Multiple Arrests Made In Connection To Death Of Matthew Perry

PRINCE

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Prince died of a fentanyl overdose (April 2016) after being illegally prescribed the drug. This synthetic opioid is 50 times more powerful than heroin.

WHITNEY HOUSTON

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Whitney Houston died (February of 2012) of “accidental drowning due to the effects of cocaine use and heart disease.” (Reuters.com)

See: Whitney Houston Death Causes Internal LAPD Lawsuit

BOBBI KRISTINA BROWN

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Bobbi Kristina Brown’s cause of death in July 2016 was reported as a combination of drugs and drowning. Medical examiners found marijuana, alcohol, “a cocaine-related substance,” sedative, according to her toxicology report.

AMY WHINEHOUSE

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Amy Whinehouse died of alcohol poisoning in July 2011. She was 27 years old.

MICHAEL JACKSON

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Suffered from cardiac arrest, brought on by a fatal mix of sedatives and propofol. His death (June 2009) was ruled a homicide.

See: ‘Killing Michael Jackson’ Documentary To Explore Death Of King Of Pop

IKE TURNER

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Ike Turner died of a cocaine overdose in December, 2007.

JIMI HENDRIX

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An autopsy concluded that “Hendrix aspirated his own vomit and died of asphyxia while intoxicated with [alcohol and sleeping pills]” (AmericanSongwriter.com) in September, 1970.

MICHAEL K. WILLIAMS

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Michael K. Williams, known for his role on “The Wire”, overdosed (September 2021) on fentanyl-laced heroin.

MARILYN MONROE

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Marilyn Monroe was found dead in her bed August of 1962 at 36 years old. She overdosed on barbiturates (sleeping pills).

BILLIE HOLIDAY

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Billie Holiday died of heart failure due to years of alcohol and heroin use (July 1959).

ELVIS PRESLEY

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Elvis died of a heart attack, brought on by the excessive drug use (antihistamine, codeine, and Demerol [painkiller], Valium, etc.), which cause irregular heartbeat (August 1977).