Recovered from Addiction

News of Leslie Carter’s untimely death at the age of 25 this week was followed up with reports of the cause of death being a combination of prescription drugs. According to E! Online, “The report was taken by officials who first responded to the 911 call, and per the document, the three prescription bottles found nearby were Olanzapine, used to treat schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, the muscle relaxant Cyclobenzaprine, and the anxiety medication Xanax.”

Leslie was the sister of singers Nick and Aaron Carter died of an apparent drug overdose, and had appeared on a reality show with them as well as some success in her own singing career. This marks yet another celebrity death caused by prescription drug addiction or use of some sort, which is just a small portion of the tens of thousands of prescription drug-related deaths each year in the United States.

This is one tragic example of why we are such huge advocates for finding drug-free alternatives to treat everyday symptoms. Even unsuspecting prescriptions, especially when mixed, can be highly toxic in addition to many negative side effects. It is a theme you’ll find in the documentary film “Curing Addiction” as well. In my opinion, doctors and pharmacists need to have some accountability for the surge in prescription drug-related deaths, as they share some responsibility in the epidemic. Just because it is a medication or treatment for an unwanted condition, doesn’t necessarily make it safe. We encourage people to explore multiple options when seeking to treat symptoms or conditions by speaking to more than one qualified health professional to see there are non-drug alternatives.

Our thoughts are with the Carter family, especially her infant daughter, as well as all families who have lost loved ones from drug overdose of any kind.