Addiction Among Artists

Addiction within the arts community is commonly portrayed in the media, but how prevalent is it and what are the causes? Here’s the real facts surrounding addiction among artists.

How Prevalent is Addiction Among Artists?

It is difficult to say exactly what percentage of artists suffer from addiction, as there is a lack of substance use prevalence data specific to artists. We can, however, get a good indication of how artists are affected by addiction by looking at the arts and entertainment industry as a whole.

A report done by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration describes the rates of substance use and misuse within several different industry categories, including arts and entertainment.¹ A large problem that plagues the arts industry, as reported by the study, is excessive alcohol use. Over one tenth of the population reports to having consumed alcohol in excess within any given month. Illicit drug use statistics slightly outpace the alcohol, with 13.7% of the population reporting use within a month’s time. Over the course of a year, between both illicit drug use and heavy alcohol consumption, total substance use disorders reported at 12.9% for the industry, the 3rd highest of all industries included within the study.

We can also look at how substance use affects high-profile artists in comparison to other famous individuals. One study investigated hundreds of drug-related celebrity deaths and found that the vast majority of those who died from drugs were either musicians (38.6%) or actors (23.2%). Other professions of celebrities from this study included writers and other artists.²

Are Artists at an Increased Risk for Addiction?

Although the previously discussed data may indicate that artists are more likely to suffer from substance use compared to the rest of the population, this is not necessarily the case. In fact, there is no scientific evidence of a direct link between artistic creativity and addiction.

What we do know, confirmed by studies in families and twins, is that about half of one’s predisposition to addiction is determined by genetic makeup.³ In fact, a relative with a substance use disorder is one of the most important risk factors for the development of a substance use disorder in any individual. We do not know every genetic risk factor for addiction, but the genes we do know involve dopamine signaling in the pleasure and reward pathways of the brain.⁴

Environmental factors also contribute to the risk for addiction. These can include:⁵

• Parental monitoring.
• Peer pressure.
• Socioeconomic status.
• Type of substance.
• Stress.

Treatment Options

Addiction is a serious issue within the arts. Far too often we hear about brilliant musicians, singers, actors, and writers being lost to their struggles with drugs and alcohol. Artists can benefit from drug rehab services at private treatment facilities that offer confidentiality and personalized care. Board-certified addiction specialists at these centers understand the unique struggles of artists battling substance use and can help to implement a personalized treatment plan that will return these individuals to their healthy, creative selves.

Finding Addiction Treatment

American Addiction Centers (AAC) operates several treatment centers throughout the United States and offers the complete continuum of care. Each individual seeking care at an AAC treatment centers receives a customized treatment plan, which may include various evidence-based interventions, medication for addiction treatment, behavioral therapies, and amenities to help heal the mind, body, and soul.

If you or a loved one struggle with drug and alcohol use, reach out to connect with a compassionate and knowledgeable admissions navigator, who can answer your questions, explain your options, and help you find the right path for your sustained recovery.