Many people would agree that 2016 was not the best year for their own respective reasons. This past year could not have ended quickly enough for many. All over social media, people were complaining about 2016 and begging for 2017. People were blaming 2016 for their own misfortunes and particularly for the unfortunate deaths of famous people. However, just because some unfortunate things may have occurred in 2016, does not make it 2016's fault. I'll let you in on a little secret: unfortunate things happen every single year, that is how life goes. It is understandable to be upset about unfortunate things that happened in 2016, but blaming 2016 for everything bad that happened, including celebrity deaths, is a bit ridiculous.

Despite the fact that 2017 is now underway, it still appears that many people are affected by the respective deaths of the rich and famous that occurred in 2016. Undeniably, many famous actors, singers, athletes, and more passed in 2016. There was David Bowie, Prince, Gene Wilder, Alan Rickman, Muhammad Ali, and most recently Carrie Fisher and her mother Debbie Reynolds. I agree that these talented people were taken too soon, but as hard as this may be to hear, death happens, and it is natural. People die. Many of the famous that passed led unhealthy lifestyles for years, perhaps contributing to their passing. 2016 did not take anyone from us, but years of unhealthy living and drugs may have. David Bowie had a cocaine addiction. Prince, who was only 57 when he passed, died from an "accidental" opioid overdose, but he was a user of drugs far before this. Carrie Fisher, who was only 60 when she passed, battled substance abuse, particularly with cocaine, as well. Substance abuse and addictions are illnesses that require professional help and treatment; however, it was a part of these people's lifestyles, and perhaps contributed to what everyone considers their premature deaths. For example, cocaine heightens the risk for heart attacks, which is what Carrie Fisher passed from. It does not make a difference that it was the year 2016, so stop saying things like "2016 took so many great people from us!" The very real issue and illness of drug abuse took these people, not 2016. Though perhaps it may not have directly killed them, it certainly diminished their chances of living. This is not being said to belittle their deaths by any means or to make it seem like they deserved it. Parts of their life could have been altered in order to lessen the health risks that come with substance abuse. Additionally, It should be mentioned that not all of the celebrities who passed suffered from some sort of substance abuse.

What I am trying to say is that you cannot put the blame on 2016 for people dying, because that is what people do and death is a part of life that needs to be accepted. Mourn the deaths as much as needed or as much is healthy, but stop placing the blame on the year. Though their deaths are unfortunate and their unfortunate battles of addiction, these circumstances could be used for a much-needed learning experience and wake-up call for the world, and that leading a lifestyle that consists of drugs will almost certainly lead to a premature death.

If you know of anyone who may be battling substance abuse, help them. Deaths related to or increased risk of death due to substance abuse can be prevented. Call a drug abuse hotline. A particular hotline that is available 24/7 can be reached at 1-877-310-9512.

May all of the great actors, actresses, singers, and more who passed in rest in peace. The world truly will not be the same without them.