Iron Man 2- Did You Catch This?
May 11, 2010
I saw it on the weekend and was dazzled by all the Hollywood special effects and loud explosions and rocket boots! Cool stuff!
A few minutes into the movie I was touched by the thought of Robert Downey Jr.’s incredible acting gift. It struck me that he would have been the next on the list of celebrities dying from drug addiction. It is so awesome to watch someone working in their gifts and having moved past a surely trying time in his life.
Toward the end of the movie there is a party scene where DJ AM is spinning records. If you don’t know him , he was Adam Goldstein who had 11 years of sobriety from drug addiction under his belt when he survived a small plane crash. Because of that event he was prescribed prescription drugs to cope with post traumatic stress the accident caused. He was resistant according to family because he knew what could possibly happen- a relapse.
How could his outcome have been different?
DJ AM died in August of last year from an accidental overdose of a mix of prescription medication including Oxycodone, Vicodin, Ativan, Klonopin, Xanax, Benadryl and Levamisole and cocaine.
It was sad to watch two amazingly talented young people with such different outcomes.
What do you think the difference was? How can we begin changing our culture’s mindset that the answers to our pain come in a pill, powder or potion?
Comments
14 Responses to “Iron Man 2- Did You Catch This?”
Got something to say?
I’d be curious about what the difference was, Jennifer. I think that many people believe that pain must be treated with a pill when there are a number of methods of non-narcotic pain management available. Judging from the number of meds that are advertised on TV every night, it is clear to me how people get the idea that there’s a necessary pill for everything. (And someone might end up with an erection lasting more than 4 hours as a “side effect”…)
Wow; two powerful questions of which I’m sure there are no easy answers. One thing for sure – at least in my experience – is too many do not know who they really are. Not liking what they see in the mirror, they attempt to change the reflection.
.-= Jeff Brunson´s last blog ..Skill 2 – Part C: Sustainable Performance =-.
Whoa Mama! Powerful blog post and questions. So much of our health and wellness begins with our thoughts, feelings, and inner guidance. It would be so amazing if we taught people how to listen and connect with their bodies & soul instead of numbing up with medication. We really can change our lives – bodies included – by changing our minds.
Rock on Rozenhart Chiro!
.-= Coach Cassandra Rae´s last blog ..Fear can no longer stop me from sharing my message! =-.
Excellent question! I agree with Linda. We are inundated daily with commercials about drugs to treat any physical or emotional pain. Most people have no idea there are alternatives. As more and more of us seek alternative ways to keep ourselves healthy, that don’t include drugs or a quick fix, we will slowly begin to change the paradigm.
.-= Vicki´s last blog ..The Discomfort Zone =-.
Thanks Cassandra for the kudos. Changing our thoughts is the first step, then to share information with others, so we can help save more people from drug addiction and the destruction that comes with it.
OOOH, I like that Jeff. I believe that to be the truth too. I believe that if we teach kids to medicate at an early age for their pain, ills, cuts, bruises, fevers, etc. that by the time they reach those difficult teenage years that they want to medicate again for emotional pain. I am not a drug-basher- there is a time and a place, it just shouldn’t be used for ongoing health promotion!
I agree Linda, the ads are amazing! Who would want to deal with those side effects?? I like when the side effects for an allergy medicine , for example, are the same as the original symptoms! You may experience runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes…wait a minute…aren’t those like allergies?? I love my DVR because I can speed through those commercials and my husband does not have to hear my constant DISGUST.
I just had such an awful experience of being on narcotic pain killers and morphine during my total knee replacement. I hated the way it made me feel, it was AWFUL. Honestly, I would rather take the pain. I don’t think taking drugs for any amount of time is safe, at least, for me.
This is a subject near to my heart because I have a family member who suffers with addiction. It’s not only horrible for the person but equally as horrible for the family and if doctors and pain clinics wouldn’t be so free in handing out this stuff, then people wouldn’t have such an easy time getting it.
Also, I think there should be a law that if you are a recovering addict or in rehab for an addiction and a doctor gives you a narcotic drug, the doctor should be arrested! Especially if they know your history, which they should. How can these people who suffer with addiction ever hope to get better if doctors hand them out like candy?
I’ll get off my soapbox now,
Great questions. I find it somewhat ironic that people who abuse prescription drugs are held in a different regard than those who use “street” drugs like meth or cocaine. It is a society, class thing? I agree with Terri about doctors handing the meds out freely, without really discussing the dangers of the drugs.
Kristina Shands
.-= Kristina Shands´s last blog .. =-.
Powerful observations. Insightful and thought-provoking on many levels Dr. Jen. Humanity’s incredible strength and heartbreaking frailties.
Perhaps influencing positive change for young people and their families, regarding reliance on chemicals for everyday “health”, is a good start. Challenging when media bombards consistently with pharma-propoganda.
Dr. J
I loved the original Iron Man so I’ll put this on my list to see on the BIG screen.
A tale of two men. Who knows what gives one the strength, wisdom and guidance to remain on this earth, free from the drugs, while the other follows a different fate. I once heard that fate was different from destiny in that fate is going to happen while destiny is about the free will choices we make.
Thanks for posting this and the provocative question.
Julie Hawkins
It’s unfortunate that there seems to be a desire for a ‘magic pill’ to take away all your pain and unhappiness. I like myself much better when I deal with my issues, because then I’m truly happy in my own skin.
Sandy Rees
.-= Sandy Rees´s last blog ..And You Will Be FULLY FUNDED =-.
I so appreciate the macro essence of this question and yet, I think it’s really up to each person to take full responsibility for our own lives. As more and more people step up and take responsibility for their lives and more and more of us do what we came here to do — perhaps there will be a sea change.
.-= Melanie McGhee´s last blog ..want this, not that =-.