It’s no secret that high-profile celebrities are prone to drug abuse and addiction than ordinary people. This can be attributed to the fact that their financial means afford them costly habits of using drugs like heroin and cocaine. Some celebrities in the entertainment industry, such as lead singers in rock bands, take drugs as a way of defining their behaviors. That’s because taking drugs is a stereotype associated with the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle. Thus, it is almost expected that such celebrities will take drugs.
But, there is another way to perceive celebrities and their drug-taking habits. That’s the relationship between creativity and vulnerability to drug abuse. It can be argued that these celebrities use drugs to inspire creativity when writing music.
For example, could using LSD and marijuana be the source of inspiration for The Beatles? Was it the reason the band came up with great music? Could have the drug-using habit played a role in the voting of Pet Sounds the best album?
It’s important to note that some of these people, though creative, have ended up seeking ‘free drug rehab centers near me’ after overusing addictive substances. Therefore, if it’s true that creative people are more prone to drugs, there is another side of this story. That is the high possibility of more creative people using drugs and ending up with ruined lives.
The Association of Creativity and Psychoactive Substance Use4>
Research findings have shown limited convergence when it comes to the association of creativity with being prone to drugs. But, some studies have confirmed some kind of association between psychoactive substance use and creativity. However, the nature of the relationship between drugs and creativity is yet to be established clearly.
Researchers did not confirm the view that is frequently discussed that using psychoactive substances enhances creativity. Here is what is suggested by relevant studies’ review:
People with higher creativity has a characteristic of substance use more than individuals in other populations
The basis of this association may be the inter-relationship of the two phenomena
It’s probably that no evidence exists to suggest a direct role of psychoactive substances enhancing artists’ creativity.
A reason why some creative individuals may abuse drugs and end up seeking free addiction help might be the ability of psychoactive substances to enhance sensitivity and experiences. It could also be the ability of these substances to loosen the conscious processes that may influence the creative process.
As such, the creativity of an artist might not be enhanced. However, the quality of their product will be affected by the use of the psychoactive substance. It also appears that these substances might play another role in artists. That is stabilizing and/or compensating for a more unstable functioning.
Psychoactive Substance Use May Enhance and Modify Specific Functions
Researchers have also found that specific functions that relate to creativity are enhanced and modified when an ordinary person uses a psychoactive substance. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that creativity is generally a complex process and only specific functions were examined by the studies.
The findings of these studies suggest that psychoactive substances can lead to enhanced creativity in solving problems or a change in aesthetic experience. One study established that LSD changed the illustrating style of Robert Crumb, a cartoonist. Musical style modification has also been shown to have a connection with substance use. But, these changes alone may not lead to creative production. However, they may contribute to production style changes or modifications of some aspects of an artistic piece.
But, though an artist may use drugs to a point of seeking help from a free drug rehabilitation center, some substances have the potential to strengthen their personality traits.
Fundamental Variations
In connection with the reviewed findings, it’s crucial to avoid overlooking the fact that the focus of these studies was basically on two creative process areas. Some of them examined the psychoactive substances’ actual effects within a controlled setting. Others examined the link between chronic substance users and creativity.
Chronic substance users or abusers are at a higher risk of suffering fatal overdoses or requiring free drug addiction help. But, the two facets have fundamental differences. The former may explain specific functions’ acute changes. The latter, on the other hand, might highlight artistic production and chronic substance use’s role.
What’s more, the reviewed studies differed in terms of their methodology and objectives. They also revealed great quality heterogeneity. In the majority of these studies, the researchers identified methodological problems, though basic. Examples of such problems include unrepresentative samples, small sample sizes, speculative study questions, dependence on self-report and non-standardized assessment methods.
Additionally, the empirical studies number was few. And, the topic was relevant for understanding the high substance use level among artists and for clarification of the validity of the present association in public opinion. Nevertheless, future studies should specifically emphasize on clear research questions and adequate methodology.
The Myth
No study has conclusively established a clear link between creativity and drug use. So, the argument that drugs enhance creativity is a myth. And, when some artists take this myth too far, it leads to addiction. Thus, they end up seeking free substance abuse programs after drugs ruin their glamorous lives. Stephen King, a famous American horror author, is an example of what drugs can do to an artist. This author struggled with different drug addictions and alcoholism during his celebrity life.
The Bottom Line
The role played by the use of psychoactive substances in creativity and artistic creation remains a long-standing topic. Researchers continue to examine the relationship between the creative processes of artists and the effects the use of chemical substances has on them. A general public myth has been that drugs enhance creativity. However, the existing studies have not shown an association between substance use and creativity. The available studies have not shown that substance use facilitates or boosts artistic processes or creativity. Only specific skills are likely to be altered as a result of using psychoactive substances. Consequently, this can affect the creation style of an artist.