Substance use of historical figures

Throughout history, the lives of many prominent figures have been marked by their remarkable achievements and significant contributions to society. Yet, behind the curtain of greatness, there often lies a darker narrative, one intertwined with substance use and addiction. From Sigmund Freud to Winston Churchill, substance use among historical figures is a complex and often controversial topic, reflecting not only personal struggles but also the broader dynamics of the eras in which they lived.

In this journey through history, we’ll delve into the stories of these historical giants. Their biographies are not only fascinating accounts, but they also serve as a lens through which we can examine the evolving attitudes and perceptions of substance use.

Sigmund Freud: The cocaine connection

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, cocaine was hailed as a miracle drug with various potential applications, from pain relief to mood enhancement. Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, was among the notable proponents of cocaine after originally being introduced to its stimulating effects by his friend and colleague, Ernst von Fleischl-Marxow.

It is important to understand the use of cocaine during Freud’s time was not as heavily regulated or stigmatised as it is today, and it was even sold in products like Coca-Cola. Freud conducted numerous experiments to explore cocaine’s applications and believed that cocaine could be used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety and even morphine addiction.

Freud was so enamoured with cocaine that he famously wrote to his fiancée, Martha Bernays, that it had “a miraculous substance… I am actually in the process of studying its action in great detail.”

Freud began using cocaine regularly, and its use is widely considered to be instrumental in much of his early work. However, heavy cocaine use soon began to affect both his health and career and after he nearly killed a patient while under the influence of cocaine in the 1890s, he stopped using it.

Freud’s experience serves as a poignant reminder of the seductive nature, even for those who may not fall under the stigmatised umbrella of what society sees as an “addict”. It also highlights the real danger of “miracle” drugs and the need for stringent testing and regulation of new medicinal substances.

Winston Churchill: A toast to resilience

Winston Churchill, Britain’s indomitable Prime Minister during World War II, possessed a well-documented relationship with alcohol, most notably brandy and champagne.

The likely reasons for Churchill’s heavy alcohol consumption are multi-faceted. First of all, alcohol was widely culturally accepted at the time, and many upper-class individuals drank regularly, even every day. To get some idea of how much Churchill drank even as a young man, here is his alcohol order in 1908, which contributed to his ever-growing debts:

• 108 bottles and 84 half-bottles of Pol Roger 1895 vintage champagne
• 48 half-bottles of 1900 Pol Roger vintage champagne
• 72 bottles of St Estèphe red wine
• 60 bottles of port
• 72 bottles of sparkling Moselle white wine
• 72 bottles of whisky
• 36 bottles of 20-year-old brandy
• 36 bottles of vermouth
• Four bottles of gin

In later years, Churchill’s heavy burden of guiding a nation through a brutal conflict might have contributed to his use of alcohol as a coping mechanism—a means of escaping the immense pressures of wartime leadership. Churchill himself seemed to acknowledge this when he famously declared:

“I have taken more out of alcohol than alcohol has taken out of me.”

Whether Churchill’s relationship with alcohol reached the level of addiction is difficult to say. Some sources believe that he used alcohol to cope with symptoms of bipolar disorder or depression, a common theme in those who develop addiction. Others believe that he was the ultimate “functioning alcoholic”, with Eleanor Roosevelt being amazed that “anyone could smoke so much and drink so much and keep perfectly well.”

Vincent van Gogh: Art and absinthe

Vincent van Gogh, the Dutch post-impressionist painter, is, for many art historians, the quintessential tormented genius. His canvas bore the brilliance of his mind and the torment of his soul, with his struggles often mirrored in the intensity and choice of his colours. There have been hundreds of different diagnoses of the artist’s suspected mental illnesses, with Van Gogh displaying symptoms of, among others, depression, Pica, bipolar disorder and epilepsy. While there has yet to be a medical consensus, what is agreed is the impact that mental health had on Van Gogh’s life and his search for chemical relief.

In the streets of 19th-century Paris, absinthe was more than just a drink; it was a cultural phenomenon. Famously dubbed the “green fairy”, absinthe was celebrated for its purported hallucinogenic properties and creativity-enhancing qualities. Van Gogh, along with many artists and writers of his time, was deeply entrenched in the culture of Paris’ absinthe cafes and the drink is thought to have influenced some of his iconic works.

But this wasn’t Van Gogh’s sole foray into substance use. He was also well known for his turpentine and camphor use, which are suspected to have exacerbated his long-present mental health issues. The drugs are known to cause intense hallucinations, fits and episodes of delirium, which may have led to the infamous ear-cutting episode and his later suicide.

Van Gogh’s life reveals the broader landscape of 19th-century Europe, where substance use was deeply intertwined with societal and cultural norms. Just as Freud’s experimentation with cocaine tells a tale of the medical practices of his time, Van Gogh’s relationship with absinthe and other substances paints a vivid picture (pun intended) of the drug and alcohol landscape at the time and how those with mental health struggles often turned to substances in lieu of effective treatment.

Billie Holiday: Echoes of the Lady Day’s melancholy

Billie Holiday, with her unmistakable voice and emotive renditions, is a jazz legend whose haunting tunes like “Strange Fruit” offer a poignant commentary on racism and the societal issues of her time. Yet, behind her melodies, her life was marked by a painful narrative deeply entwined with substance use and addiction.

Growing up in the harsh environment of early 20th-century Baltimore, Billie was introduced to a world where substance use was often an escape from the grim realities of poverty, racial discrimination and systemic abuse. As her star began to rise in the world of music, so too did the weight of these challenges, driving her to seek solace in heroin and alcohol.

In the dimly lit jazz clubs where Holiday performed, a cocktail in hand and a smoke-filled haze became emblematic of the scene. For Billie, her initial encounters with substances may have been casual, but they rapidly transformed into a crutch. Her relationship with heroin began in the early 1940s, often attributed to her tumultuous relationship with her then-boyfriend, trumpeter Joe Guy. The highs she experienced from heroin, coupled with her heavy alcohol use, provided a fleeting escape from the relentless pressures of her career and numbed the pain of a life marred by betrayal, heartbreak and racial prejudice.

The landscape of the 1930s and 40s in America was fraught with racial tensions and the ever-looming spectre of Jim Crow laws. For Billie, her substance use was not just personal; it was intrinsically linked to the broader racial dynamics of her era. The authorities targeted her, especially the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, led by Harry J. Anslinger, and she became a high-profile casualty of the early war on drugs.

After her first arrest for drug possession in 1947, her lawyer declined to represent her in court, prompting Holliday to reflect:

Sadly, this was just the first of her run-ins with the law, but her last was the most tragic. After being hospitalised for cirrhosis of the liver in 1959, Anslinger sent officers to her hospital who claimed they found heroin in her room. Arrested and handcuffed for drug possession even as she lay dying in a hospital bed, Holiday’s struggles with addiction became weaponised, an emblem of the racial prejudices of her era. She died ten days later, with the New York Times publishing only a short obituary with no byline on page 15.

However, Holliday’s legacy goes far beyond the newspaper’s half-hearted nod. She was posthumously nominated for twenty three Grammy awards and her poignant song, “God Bless the Child”, sheds light on the relentless cycle of poverty and addiction that still exists today:

“Them that’s got shall get, them that’s not shall lose.”

Elvis Presley: The King’s prescription pills

Elvis Presley is the undying emblem of rock ‘n’ roll, whose gyrating hips and velvety voice enraptured a generation. Yet, behind the magnetic charisma and the shining spotlight lay a turbulent relationship with prescription drugs. For the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll”, this dalliance would turn into a dangerous dependency that, unbeknownst to many of his ardent fans, would play a pivotal role in his tragic demise.

As Elvis navigated the tumultuous waters of fame, he began to feel the all-too-familiar weight of expectations. The rigorous demands of touring, recording and public appearances required relentless energy and emotional protection. Presley’s entourage, infamously known as the “Memphis Mafia”, facilitated his access to an array of pills – uppers to kickstart the day, downers to bring about rest and an assortment in between to keep Elvis balanced.

Today, we understand the importance of those in addiction recovery surrounding themselves with the right people. Supportive family, friends and therapists can form a network to help the individual navigate sobriety, while bad influences and negative voices can trigger relapse. Whether Elvis’ entourage acted out of personal interest, fear of his temper or a genuine desire to help him, they ultimately contributed to his demise.

As the years progressed, warning signs began to appear. Elvis’ performances had lost their signature energy, he gained weight rapidly and his behaviour and moods became erratic. It wasn’t just the quantity of pills but also the dangerous combinations. Elvis would mix barbiturates with amphetamines, opiates with sedatives – cocktails that threatened to shut down his body’s essential functions.

As the 1970s wore on, his deteriorating health became a topic of hushed whispers within the music industry. There were cancelled shows, hospitalisations under pseudonyms and a palpable concern amongst those who genuinely cared for him. Yet, the machine of fame and the enormous financial interests linked to the Elvis brand propelled him forward until that fateful day in August 1977 when the world woke up to the tragic news of his passing. Elvis’ fall struggles and death are poignant reminders of the insidious nature of addiction. His story illuminates the profound isolation that can exist even at the pinnacle of stardom and stresses the role that “enablers” can play in perpetuating substance use.

Final thoughts

These historical figures, in their highs and lows, teach us about the fragile nature of the human spirit and the dangers of substance misuse. Their stories highlight the importance of awareness, understanding, compassion and supportive networks in addressing the complex issue of addiction. As we reflect upon their lives, contemporary society must learn from history. In celebrating the accomplishments of these historic icons, let us also remember their struggles, using their stories as a catalyst for change and understanding in our approach to addiction and mental health.

If you are struggling with addiction, contact UKAT today. We provide comprehensive treatment for a wide range of substance and behavioural dependencies. Let us guide you on the path to recovery.