Addiction is a progressive disease, meaning it gets worse over time, resulting in a general decline in health or function. Addiction is a disease of faulty thinking and perception. Also called substance use disorder, it affects a person's brain and behavior and leads to an inability to control the use of drugs, alcohol, or anything else that causes negative consequences without the ability to stop. Addiction is a chronic brain disease that's more about the neurology of the brain than the outward manifestations of behavioral problems and poor choices. Addiction doesn't discriminate and doesn't care about your fame, fortune, socioeconomic background, and material wealth. It impacts us all! And it's killing more and more people than ever before. 

The urine toxicology report found 10 different substances in Hawkin's body - including THC, Tricyclic Antidepressants, Benzodiazepines, Opiods, and Alcohol. 

An autopsy also found Hawkin's heart was about double the size of a normal healthy heart. Illicit drugs and some prescription drugs carry a significant cardiac risk like the ones found. The more substances a person uses, the greater the risk.  

If you, or someone you know, is struggling please reach out for help. You can send me a DM on Instagram @Positive_Impact_Andrew and I can point you in the right direction. 

Having been through my own addiction, and having similar amount of substances in my own body during my rock-bottom in 2014, this is the most important work I can do. To help inspire hope for others. And turn my mess into my Message that our greatest challenge can become our greatest asset.