January 28, 2010
Heavy metal music and TV reality star Ozzy Osbourne has been known for living on the edge, including decades of drug abuse and promiscuous sex. However, in a recent interview the artist opened up about the lessons he learned from his experiences and warned of potential dangers of a similar lifestyle.
Acknowledging he is surprised to be still alive, the artist suggested that others who engage in reckless drug-related and sexual behavior, "[may] not be as lucky as me."
"With the drugs, it nearly killed me on a daily basis - I did a lot of heavy drug taking for a long time and I survived it by the grace of God," he confessed.
Statistics suggest cocaine is the second most commonly used illicit drug in the U.S. and nearly 15 percent of Americans aged 12 or older have used it at least once. It is also estimated that more than 15,000 deaths annually are associated with the use of stimulants.
However, there may be new hope on the horizon as the National Institutes of Health has recently announced an experimental vaccine resulted in a substantial reduction in cocaine use in 38 percent of patients in a clinical trial.
Those struggling with drug addiction, and their families, have a range of resources to turn to, including Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the non-profit Drug Rehab, that may help them overcome the problem, survive and lead fulfilling lives.
