"If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse or suicidal thoughts, help is available. Please call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for online support. For substance abuse treatment referrals, call SAMHSA's National Helpline at
Substance Use Disorder (S.U.D.) is a condition that does not discriminate based on wealth, status, education, or background. It can affect anyone—whether they’re a celebrity, a successful professional, a student, or someone living in poverty. Addiction is rooted in complex interactions between biology, environment, and psychology, and no amount of fame, intelligence, or success can fully shield a person from those factors. In fact, high-functioning individuals may be more skilled at hiding their struggles, which can delay diagnosis and treatment.
We often associate S.U.D. with visible suffering or social decline, but it frequently exists behind polished facades. Some of the world’s most celebrated artists, thinkers, and leaders have battled substance use, proving that intellect and talent offer no immunity. Similarly, people from loving families or stable upbringings can still develop S.U.D., showing that it’s not always about trauma or poor choices. By understanding S.U.D. as a medical condition rather than a moral failing, we can break the stigma and open the door to compassion and healing for everyone—regardless of who they are.