In addition to health dangers and potential addiction risks, using drugs – even just once – can destroy years of hard work. Drug abuse taints an athlete’s record and reputation. Respect and trust that was built with fans and within the industry has to be rebuilt. Sponsorships and endorsement deals that took years to earn can disappear in seconds. For a few minutes of what might feel like ecstasy, an athlete may end up cleaning up after those moments for the rest of their life.

Michael Phelps, a record-breaking Olympic gold medalist, is today’s example of how one-time drug use can send even the most clean, respected and accomplished of athletes into a frenzy with an uncertain future. Prior to the picture of Phelps smoking weed, he was well-known as an athlete against drugs and as a supporter of the World Anti-Doping Agency. By using drugs, his anti-drug messages have lost their validity. Teens and young adults who look to Phelps for inspiration as a role-model have been let down. Not only is this unfortunate from an ethical point of view, but letting down his fans could have an impact on his current and future opportunities. CNN interviewed sports attorney Ryan Smith, and during the interview he explained that, “A lot of endorsement deals have clauses that say that you can’t do bad actions like this, not only crimes, but just things that you do bad in public could result in the termination of your contract.” Additionally, “a lot of these companies that are sponsoring him really are focused on kids and how actions of their athletes affect children.”

After the picture of Phelps smoking weed came forth, he quickly issued a statement apologizing for his behavior – “I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again.” Such bold promises are very hard to keep, especially if Phelps is dealing with a substance abuse problem. This incident wasn’t the first for Phelps, as he was caught drinking under the influence in 2004. If his illegal substance usage continues, bouncing back may not be an option for him.

This is why people who play sports just shouldn’t use drugs. It puts their career in jeopardy and taints all of their efforts. People start to remember them for the scandalous activities they were involved in and not for their athletic abilities.

In addition to health dangers and potential addiction risks, using drugs – even just once – can destroy years of hard work. Drug abuse taints an athlete’s record and reputation. Respect and trust that was built with fans and within the industry has to be rebuilt. Sponsorships and endorsement deals that took years to earn can disappear in seconds. For a few minutes of what might feel like ecstasy, an athlete may end up cleaning up after those moments for the rest of their life.

Michael Phelps, a record-breaking Olympic gold medalist, is today’s example of how one-time drug use can send even the most clean, respected and accomplished of athletes into a frenzy with an uncertain future. Prior to the picture of Phelps smoking weed, he was well-known as an athlete against drugs and as a supporter of the World Anti-Doping Agency. By using drugs, his anti-drug messages have lost their validity. Teens and young adults who look to Phelps for inspiration as a role-model have been let down. Not only is this unfortunate from an ethical point of view, but letting down his fans could have an impact on his current and future opportunities. CNN interviewed sports attorney Ryan Smith, and during the interview he explained that, “A lot of endorsement deals have clauses that say that you can’t do bad actions like this, not only crimes, but just things that you do bad in public could result in the termination of your contract.” Additionally, “a lot of these companies that are sponsoring him really are focused on kids and how actions of their athletes affect children.”

After the picture of Phelps smoking weed came forth, he quickly issued a statement apologizing for his behavior – “I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again.” Such bold promises are very hard to keep, especially if Phelps is dealing with a substance abuse problem. This incident wasn’t the first for Phelps, as he was caught drinking under the influence in 2004. If his illegal substance usage continues, bouncing back may not be an option for him.

This is why people who play sports just shouldn’t use drugs. It puts their career in jeopardy and taints all of their efforts. People start to remember them for the scandalous activities they were involved in and not for their athletic abilities.

Can you imagine driving around on the holidays and getting hit by a drunk driver? For Bob Kent, and many others, this story is all too familiar. Kent lost his own son and two of his friends on Christmas Day, 2004. This holiday season, Kent shared his story with others as a reminder of the lives that are lost every holiday to people who drink and drive.

The statistics for drunk driving are staggering. It’s scary to think that “every 30 minutes, nearly 50 times a day, someone in America dies in an alcohol-related crash. This means you, your friends, your family are regularly at risk” – as documented by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It’s disheartening that “Americans who drink and drive after holiday parties and festivities make the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s one of the year’s most deadly and dangerous seasons due to alcohol-related crashes.”

Adults and teens are both regularly found guilty of drinking under the influence. Of course for teens, underage drinking is illegal and they shouldn’t be intoxicated in the first place. But adults, both young and old, who are over the drinking age have a choice – to be responsible. The CDC and NHTSA have both come up with lists of ways to prevent impaired driving and DUI accidents.

Before going to a party, you pretty much know if there will be alcoholic beverages served or not. If you’re not sure, ask the party host – make a plan and be prepared. Designate a sober driver before the party starts or arrange for a taxi ahead of time. Leave your car at home. Doing so will take away the temptation – the entire option – to drive home intoxicated.

If you are hosting the party, ask your guests if they have a designated driver when they RSVP for the event. For guests who are not drinking at the party, ask if they would like to be a designated driver and be sure to thank them for their help. If you are hosting a party and know that some of your guests are alcoholics, or former alcoholics who are currently in rehab or recovery, it will be appreciated if you choose to serve non-alcoholic beverages. You can also request your bartender to monitor the alcohol intake of your guests.

We have the power to change how alcohol affects our society by changing ourselves and our attitudes toward alcohol consumption and driving. Once we have changed our own behaviors, then it’s possible to help our friends and family make better choices.

Why is it that so many influential musicians, writers and artists are often associated with addiction? Throughout history, praised entertainers and creative forces have fallen victim to drugs and alcohol: American country singer Johnny Cash abused amphetamines; iconic French singer Edith Piaf was an alcoholic and eventually died of liver cancer; famous guitarist Jimmy Hendrix died of a mix of alcohol and barbiturates; American writer Jack Kerouac abused drugs and alcohol.

CNN reported recently that a link between mood disorders and creativity has shown in a number of psychology studies. Experts say that mental illness does not necessarily cause creativity, and vice versa, but a ruminating personality type may contribute to both mental health issues and art. Characteristics of this personality include hypersensitivity, constant contemplation and reflectiveness — a temperament found to be underlying in depression and bipolar disorder.

Although the studies do not link addiction with creativity, the high correlation between depression and substance abuse presents an indirect connection. For creative types who are mentally unstable and tend to overanalyze, drugs and alcohol can be a form of self-medication, a way to quiet the restless mind. Many singers who’ve experienced addiction, like Cash and Piaf, incorporate the dramatic highs and lows of their mental states into performances, pouring their emotionality and obsessive nature into lyrics.

People who are depressed may try to mute their inner demons with drugs, but art can be used as a therapeutic tool in recovery. In fact, many artists find that their work suffers when their minds are muddled by drugs and alcohol, stunting creative performance. To overcome addiction, some people need to rediscover their passion for art — a high that can’t be matched by any drug.

Drug rehabilitation is one of several drug treatment options for those suffering from drug addiction – or even alcoholism or other substance abuse. Tough government policies often make getting treatment more difficult, especially if abusers are sent to jails with no rehab facilities or programs. Serving time may encourage people to think twice about using drugs, but for some who are seriously addicted, prison provides no cure to their addiction.

That’s why some states across the nation are revisiting the local drug laws to force drug rehab onto offenders, instead of putting them into prisons. California is in the midst of a new proposition, called the Nonviolent Offender Rehabilitation Act (NORA). If passed, the Act will provide drug rehab services to people suffering from illegal drug addictions.

Not everyone thinks the policy will be successful. Actor Martin Sheen is reported by the Los Angeles Times to be against the proposition, because it affords drug abusers too many second chances without consequences. The topic is relevant and personal to Sheen – he has openly discussed his own struggle with alcoholism, and the difficulties his son Charlie Sheen has had with substance abuse. As someone who has experienced the negative aspects of alcohol and drug abuse, on his own life and the effects on his family, he has said it’s important to keep consequences into place – to stay tough on the issue of drugs.

Both points of view raise very good issues. Rehab can be forced on to someone, but unless the person wants to change, they won’t. If the Act passes, the state of California will need to have an excellent drug rehab program into place to ensure success.

All the time, young adults hear about the troubles their favorite singers got into for underage drinking or the car accidents from the actors/actresses who decided to drive drunk. Athletes, superstars, and role models everywhere are making poor life choices, giving teens and young adults the idea that it’s okay to drink alcohol or abuse drugs.

But not all celebrities have problems with alcoholism. In fact, there are more people in the public eye who don’t drink alcohol than you might think. Some used to be alcoholics and they gave up the drink to stay sober and clean up their lives. Samuel L. Jackson, David Bowie, and recently Gary Oldman learned to abstain from alcohol to get rid of its damaging effects.

Some people just don’t do alcohol, period. Take Bruce Lee for example. He didn’t drink or do drugs, because he believed in keeping his body clean – and his body was unbelievably healthy during his lifetime. CNN reported that legendary comedian Jay Leno “drinks no alcohol and says he’s never smoked a cigarette or a joint.” Wikipedia has a whole list of famous people who have decided not to drink alcohol, complete with sources for verification. It’s a positive resource, especially if you’re looking for some support or starting to think staying clean is impossible.

Everyone can make good life decisions or poor life choices – even celebrities.

All the time, young adults hear about the troubles their favorite singers got into for underage drinking or the car accidents from the actors/actresses who decided to drive drunk. Athletes, superstars, and role models everywhere are making poor life choices, giving teens and young adults the idea that it’s okay to drink alcohol or abuse drugs.

But not all celebrities have problems with alcoholism. In fact, there are more people in the public eye who don’t drink alcohol than you might think. Some used to be alcoholics and they gave up the drink to stay sober and clean up their lives. Samuel L. Jackson, David Bowie, and recently Gary Oldman learned to abstain from alcohol to get rid of its damaging effects.

Some people just don’t do alcohol, period. Take Bruce Lee for example. He didn’t drink or do drugs, because he believed in keeping his body clean – and his body was unbelievably healthy during his lifetime. CNN reported that legendary comedian Jay Leno “drinks no alcohol and says he’s never smoked a cigarette or a joint.” Wikipedia has a whole list of famous people who have decided not to drink alcohol, complete with sources for verification. It’s a positive resource, especially if you’re looking for some support or starting to think staying clean is impossible.

Everyone can make good life decisions or poor life choices – even celebrities.

Alcoholism has affected yet another young adult Hollywood star. Shia LaBeouf’s future as an actor has been looking bright until now. Success from last year’s blockbuster Transformers and working opposite Harrison Ford in the franchise revival flick, Indiana Jones: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull has brought the young actor nothing but praise. Filming for Transformers 2 is underway, but LaBeouf had to undergo hand surgery after a car accident. He was driving drunk at the time. There is no official word yet regarding how long, if at all, his surgery will delay filming.

New evidence reported by the L.A. Times suggests that LaBeouf may not have caused the accident itself, but there is no question he was seriously intoxicated. Unfortunately, his substance abuse began at home. It’s difficult for young adults who have a parent or parents who use drugs or have an alcohol addiction. In LaBeouf’s case, in an interview that appears in the September issue of Details magazine he reveals that together him and his father “would drink together and smoke together, and it’s just a bad deal."

It takes a lot of hard work to achieve success and critical acclaim as an actor. It’s a real shame to risk it all due to problems with alcohol and drinking. LaBeouf is aware of his alcohol addiction. In the same Details interview he openly states: “I don’t know how to have one drink.” Do you think his Transformers co-stars should step in with an alcohol intervention?

Hopefully as he recovers from surgery he will also have some time to think about alcohol abuse treatment or an alcohol rehab program.

Alcoholism has affected yet another young adult Hollywood star. Shia LaBeouf’s future as an actor has been looking bright until now. Success from last year’s blockbuster Transformers and working opposite Harrison Ford in the franchise revival flick, Indiana Jones: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull has brought the young actor nothing but praise. Filming for Transformers 2 is underway, but LaBeouf had to undergo hand surgery after a car accident. He was driving drunk at the time. There is no official word yet regarding how long, if at all, his surgery will delay filming.

New evidence reported by the L.A. Times suggests that LaBeouf may not have caused the accident itself, but there is no question he was seriously intoxicated. Unfortunately, his substance abuse began at home. It’s difficult for young adults who have a parent or parents who use drugs or have an alcohol addiction. In LaBeouf’s case, in an interview that appears in the September issue of Details magazine he reveals that together him and his father “would drink together and smoke together, and it’s just a bad deal."

It takes a lot of hard work to achieve success and critical acclaim as an actor. It’s a real shame to risk it all due to problems with alcohol and drinking. LaBeouf is aware of his alcohol addiction. In the same Details interview he openly states: “I don’t know how to have one drink.” Do you think his Transformers co-stars should step in with an alcohol intervention?

Hopefully as he recovers from surgery he will also have some time to think about alcohol abuse treatment or an alcohol rehab program.

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid’s son, Garrett, was sentenced to drug rehab for 2 years. Garrett Reid was serving time in jail due to an auto accident that occurred when he was on heroin. He was surrendering himself on the charges related to the crash and tried to smuggle 89 prescription pills inside his rectum. Because of this, a judge sentenced him to 2 years in drug rehab. Part of that time, about seven months, will be spent in jail. Following the jail time, Garrett Reid will be involved in a program that may include halfway houses, private facilities and possibly staying at private residences.  Reid will also be on probation for 3 years once he completes the program and subject to random drug tests. If he does not complete the program, Garrett Reid will have to face the judge again who will decide if Garrett will go to prison for two years. Judge Steven O’Neill told Garrett Reid, “You are an addict. The intention is to get this young man treatment. His addiction is deep, long-lasting and he is in need of treatment.”