I was so saddened to read about another life lost to the deadly disease of addiction.  I understand the details are still emerging, but once again, all signs are pointing to an overdose.   Although I am not very familiar with DJ AM, I read that he’s been battling this disease for years and was sober for 9 years before he relapsed.  He was in a tragic plane crash last year and along with the emotional pain of losing dear friends in the crash, he also had physical pain to contend with.  Unfortunately, some are saying his need for the pain medication, although legitimate,  may have triggered his addiction. 

I read that his sponsor had just met with him and they were discussing him visiting rehab after a show he had in Vegas.  If this is the case, it is so representative of the many dangers of addiction.  When dealing with drugs, you never know if your next fix could result in death.  It’s often called Russian roulette and obviously the results of spinning the barrel and hoping that when you pull the trigger the bullet won’t be in the chamber is the same as taking your drug of choice and hoping this use won’t kill you.  We never think it will happen to us because we know how much we can use and we know how much is too much and we would never….and yet the news stories keep coming.   With Heath Ledger, Michael  Jackson and weeks later, DJ AM.  Obviously overdose was not their plan and they were simply in the treacherous  grip of a deadly disease. 

The NCADD says that there are more deaths and disabilities each year in the US from substance abuse than from any other cause.  So there are bound to be celebrities affected as well.  Maybe there can be a tinge of hope in the sadness, as people become more aware of the power and danger of this disease.  My thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones.    Blessings, Ginger