Increasingly it is becoming the norm to hear about singers dying from drug related reasons, and Whitney Houston is no exception. The pop siren’s career reached its pinnacle in the 80s and 90s with her songs such as “I Will Always Love You” and “How Will I Know” leading the charts. Ironically, her songs experienced a revival in popularity as a result of her death at the Beverly Hilton on Saturday. Houston was just two years shy of turning 50 years old, and leaves behind an 18 year old daughter, Bobbi Kristina.

The singer’s body was found submerged in the bathtub of the hotel room. Investigators searched the room and came across Xanax, a prescription drug, and alcohol. This scene is eerily familiar to music legends Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Amy Winehouse, Kurt Cobain, and Jim Morrison, to mention a few.

Addiction is a dangerous affliction that proves to take the lives of anyone no matter how rich, beautiful, or invincible they may appear to be. In an age where drug addiction is more prevalent, and visits to rehab for celebrities are as common and accepted as going to a therapist, it is sad and ridiculous that this horrible vice is taken lightly.

Additionally, the pressures of being in the limelight are apparent in how the media can twist a person’s image and how something as basic and vital as privacy is almost non-existent. Still, celebrities have an unlimited bank account and opportunities to see the best doctors and receive the best care to deal with addiction that others cannot afford.

It can seem selfish that these celebrities squander their lives and talents on drugs instead of using their time in a better manner. They have the access to tour the world and do things that others can only dream about, but their lives are wasted while they are fully aware what is happening to their tortured bodies.

I do not want to see more amazing singers silenced in my lifetime because of drug addictions. Although their memories are tangible with their music echoing across the radio, we will never know what kind of success that these singers could have achieved.  Their own life’s story becomes a tragic ballad that they should never have to sing. The music industry should not need to suffer a loss like this again. Let’s not make stories of overdoses sound like a broken record.