Why We Should Talk About Carrie Fisher's Drug Addiction
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Why We Should Talk About Carrie Fisher's Drug Addiction

It's what she would have wanted.

29
Why We Should Talk About Carrie Fisher's Drug Addiction
USA Today
“Now I think that this would make for a fantastic obit — so I tell my younger friends that no matter how I go, I want it reported that I drowned in moonlight, strangled by my own bra.” - excerpt from Fisher's 2008 book Wishful Drinking.

When actress and writer Carrie Fisher died in December of 2016, she left behind a legacy of galactic proportions. Best known for her role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars franchise, Fisher also wrote novels, such as Postcards from the Edge, and an autobiographical play, which was later turned into a book called Wishful Drinking.

However, Carrie Fisher's creative talents aren't the only thing that makes her notable. As she grew older, she began speaking out about her lifelong struggles with bipolar disorder and drug addiction. She talked about owning your diagnosis, finding the humor in life with a mental illness, and continuing to follow your dreams anyway. She also spoke on the value of getting help for your illness.

“I am mentally ill. I can say that. I am not ashamed of that. I survived that, I’m still surviving it, but bring it on. Better me than you.” - Carrie Fisher, December 2000

Recently, the results of the toxicology reports done on Fisher were released to the public, revealing a variety of drugs in her system, including cocaine, methadone, and heroin. Many fans took this news with shock and sadness - others, with anger.

But when you think about this, wouldn't this be what Carrie Fisher would have wanted? Other fans look at it like this:

The point is, Carrie Fisher dedicated her life to ending the stigma of mental illness and drug addiction. Her daughter, Billie Lourd, released a statement about the situation that nails it to a tee: "My mom battled drug addiction and mental illness her entire life. She ultimately died of it. She was purposefully open in all of her work about the social stigmas surrounding these diseases."

This is why it's important to talk about what Carrie Fisher was doing in the days leading up to her death that impacted what happened to her. Part of Fisher's entire mantra was about owning your diagnosis and getting help. Drugs can kill you, and if you're struggling with mental illness or drug addiction, it's not too late to get help for yourself.

At a rally in Indianapolis in 2001, Fisher said this: “Without medication, I would not be able to function in this world. Medication has made me a good mother, a good friend, a good daughter.” It's okay to get medication. It's okay to need help. It's okay to accept help.

What is not okay are reactions to the results of Fisher's toxicology report such as this:

Tweets such as these are the reason stigma exists, and there are far too many of them out there. Having drugs in her system does not make Carrie Fisher's death any less of a tragedy for her friends and family, nor does it make it less of a loss to the mental health community. Addiction is a powerful disease and should be treated as such.

All in all, remember Carrie Fisher's words as you go along your merry way: "You get to choose what monsters you want to slay. I'm sorry to say this again, but let's face it - the Force is with you."

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

65594
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

42469
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

965387
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments