Jason Wahler: Death of Hoffman Brought Him Back to Substance Abuse Days
The tragic death of Philip Seymour Hoffman left many people in mourning. Most of them have shared their good memories with the actor. Some of the actors have even shared their own stories regarding their struggles with their addiction. The former The Hills star Jason Wahler was one of the celebrities who have opened up once again about his addiction in an essay titled: "More than meets the eye," published in The Huffington Post.
The star started his personal essay with his life when he was having problems with substance abuse. "A few years ago, I would host parties at my house in LA where there would be 50-100 people raging out of control. While everyone thought I was enjoying the party as much as they were, little did they know I was secretly going into the master bathroom and snorting as much coke and drinking as much alcohol as I could," he wrote. "When I was done, I would grab a beer and get back into the party as if nothing happened."
"When I heard of Philip Seymour Hoffman's death, it brought me right back to those days of partying where my addiction was so bad that I didn't care who was around, how loud the music was, or how fancy the party was," he added. "It wasn't about the party at all -- all I cared about was using and escaping reality even if it was by myself in a bathroom."
In 2010, he appeared on Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew in order to treat his alcohol addiction. When Hoffman was found dead and with the drugs found all over the apartment, most people started commenting about celebrities and their addiction.
"I immediately began seeing comments all over the Internet about Hoffman's reported overdose -- remarks to the effect of 'it's his own fault,'" he stated. "I truly believe that addiction is preventable, but I also know that it can get so complex that addicts won't go get help, but instead cry out for it."
"I have witnessed just how close-minded some people can be when it comes to addiction, and combined with the passing of Philip Seymour Hoffman, it only drives me to keep pushing to raise awareness," he wrote. "Unlike some other major celebrities who never made it out of active addiction alive, Hoffman was able to put a face to recovery. It's my hope that his passing isn't in vain, and that I can continue to educate more people about how important it is to not only get into treatment if necessary, but also to continually stay connected to prevent relapse."