Cory Monteith Dies of Heroin Overdose

 It’s always sad to see someone lose their life too soon – especially when it is due to drug and alcohol abuse and could have been prevented.  This week, it was reported that Glee television star, Cory Monteith, died at the age of 31 due to an overdose of heroin and alcohol.  He was found dead at the Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel in Vancouver on Saturday after checking in there on July 6. 

These types of losses have widespread effects for family and friends.  They also serve as a reminder to those who have already lost someone close to them due to substance use. 

Fatal drug overdoses are a serious concern facing our country.  Recent data shows that they have increased for the 11th consecutive year in the United States.  According to a research letter published from the National Center for Health Statistics, more than 38,000 people die of drug overdoses in the United States each year, with an uptick from previous years due to the deadly trend of increasing prescription painkiller abuse.

Such tragedies need to encourage us to dedicate ourselves to helping prevent such losses in the future.  It shows the importance and value of increasing awareness, prevention, and treatment - and how crucial they are to helping stop the rise in overdoses.  It’s important to remember that treatment is effective and that the road to recovery, although long and bumpy, is one that can be taken to achieve success.