Academy Award-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman recently checked out of a drug detox facility, according to an exclusive interview he gave to the celebrity news website TMZ.com. The actor, who has struggled with substance abuse in the past, had been living a sober lifestyle for over 20 years before he relapsed again last year.
Hoffman told TMZ that the problem "started slowly with prescription pills, and recently escalated to snorting heroin." He also said that "the heroin use only lasted a week or so and he quickly realized he needed help, so he checked himself into a detox facility on the East Coast."
The actor credited his first attempt at sobriety for his success and said he believes that his life would be different if he had not stopped using drugs and alcohol.
In a previous post, we detailed the common signs of heroin addiction including changes in appearance and behaviors. Hoffman was lucky enough to recognize the signs of his heroin and prescription drug addiction before it was too late. He also had a supportive group of family and friends who encouraged him to seek treatment.
Living a life in the public eye can drive a person to abuse drugs and alcohol. It is important to remind anyone who feels external pressures that a sober lifestyle is necessary for long-term physical and mental health.
If you know someone struggling with heroin addiction, be a supportive friend and encourage him or her to seek treatment. Intervention Services is available to provide you with a trained drug abuse intervention specialist who can guide your loved one into getting the help that he or she needs.