Natalie Cole, daughter of singing great Nat King Cole, and a music legend in her own right has been diagnosed with Hepatitis C - a disease that commonly strikes those who have engaged in considerable drug use over long periods of time.

And as Ms. Cole herself admitted in her autobiography, she was addicted to heroin and crack cocaine for many years and saw her health and career suffer as a result.

natalie cole

She is currently receiving care in Los Angeles, but the situation has been complicated by adverse reactions to the anti-viral medicine given to her to treat the Hepatitis C virus.

Hepatitis C is a serious infectious disease that damages the liver and can cause complete liver failure if not properly treated.   Chronic Hepatitis C (the most deadly form of the virus) is commonly associated with individuals who engage in intravenous drug use or inhaled drug use.

There are no serious symptoms of Hepatitis C in the early stages of the disease.  And in later stages, the individual is likely to experience only flu-like symptoms, nausea and vomiting and extreme fatigue.

To help an individual with a drug addiction prevent Hepatitis C, make sure they get enrolled at an outstanding drug rehab program as soon as possible.

A band with a relatively clean image for the music world has taken a serious hit this week as Barenaked Ladies lead singer Steven Page was arrested for possession of cocaine in Syracuse, New York.

The singer was released on $10,000 bail and is currently awaiting his day in court, however this matter brings up several concerns for the band, as well as the parents of their youngest fans.

While there are many instances where a musician’s fall from grace due to drug addiction does little to affect his or her popularity (and it many cases will seemingly enhance it) this situation is complicated by the way the band has marketed themselves.

Appearing on the soundtracks of many animated films, and touring with Disney recording artists have created a youth-appeal to the band with will be threatened by talk of cocaine and other drugs.

Even more of a concern of course, is the health of Stephen Page.  The rigors of performing and touring lead many into the cycle of drug addiction, and one can only hope that this moment serves as a wake-up call for Mr. Page, and that is able to check into a drug treatment center that will offer him the cocaine rehab needed to get well.

Baseball is filled with dramatic stories of comeback and redemption, but Josh Hamilton might have them all beat. The Tampa Bay Devil Rays player is currently enjoying one of his finest seasons in the pros. His power is huge and he’s putting up big numbers in almost every category.

What makes this stat line such an amazing accomplishment is that this time last year, Josh Hamilton was addicted to crack cocaine.

Once a first-round pick with a limitless future to look forward to, Hamilton became involved with drugs when coping with the pain and boredom of injury. Things spiraled out of control for Hamilton quickly, who lost 40 pounds, his ability to play and most of his friends. Drug addiction had completely taken control of his once promising life.

The USA Today reported on Hamilton at the beginning of the 2008 season and found the young man incredibly humbled by his experience:

“I’m a drug addict,”

says Hamilton, who once deliberately burned his prized left hand with four lit cigarettes in a rage. “It’s not terminal, but there is no cure. It’s hell on earth. It’s a constant struggle. And it’s going to be like that for the rest of my life.”
Hamilton was so upfront about his challenges and how grateful he was for a second chance, that he documented his experience for sports fan everywhere in a first-person article on ESPN.

Here’s to Josh Hamilton, a pro athlete that everyone should be rooting to succeed.

Gary Dourdan, star of the mega-hit CBS show CSI: Crime Scene Investigation has lost his job on the show due to an ongoing battle with drug addiction.  Producers of the show cut the actor loose after his April arrest for felony possession of heroin, ecstasy and cocaine.

The arrest marked the bottoming-out point of a great actor who has struggled with drug addiction for years.

Production of television shows such as CSI are extremely expensive and as such the producers have little patience for anything that could jeopardize the show, such as a star with a drug problem.

While losing his high-profile position must be devastating, one can only hope that it pushes Dourdan closer to drug rehab and receiving the help that he needs.  Hollywood is a forgiving town, and those who are able to get their lives back on track can find themselves with more acting work than they know what to do with in no time!

Whether you’re a celebrity or not, Michael’s House is dedicated to helping you break free of addiction.  Visit www.michaelshouse.com for more information about their residential drug treatment programs.