The fame and fortune would seem overwhelming and substance abuse a means of escape. Drugs and substance abuse had led to the untimely demise of celebrities admired on screen.

CORY MONTEITH

The most recent victim of drug abuse is Cory Monteith. The GLEE star was killed from a fatal combination of alcohol and heroin, according to Canadian authorities. The toxicological analysis and the autopsy revealed that Monteith died due to toxicity of mixed drugs which involved alcohol and heroin.

The lifeless body of Cory Monteith was found by staffers of a Vancouver hotel July 13. It is believed that he was alone at the hotel as he came back after spending time with friends at a local bar.

AMY WINEHOUSE

One of the most tragic deaths of recent times involved Amy Winehouse who started overindulging in alcohol in 2008 after she managed to overcome her drug habit.

By the summer of 2011, she was in the habit of withdrawing for some weeks and then eventually relapsing. She did not come back to her senses July 23, 2011 as alcohol intoxication caused her death during the early hours of the day.

Ms Winehouse's bodyguard tried waking her up after he found her unconscious. She had the habit of sleeping until late so the bodyguard was not suspicious. However, when he found her in the exact lying position in the afternoon, he was more concerned. Ms Winehouse was declared dead on the spot.

ANDY IRONS

Another tragic death was of Andy Irons who was found dead in a hotel November 2, 2010. Irons was am American surfer who won several world titles during his glorious professional career.

A couple of hotel staff did not get any response after they knocked the door. Nevertheless, when they went inside for further investigation, they found Iron in bed almost totally covered by the sheets.

Medical examinations concluded that he died from cardiac arrest which was caused by a critical blockage of one of the chief arteries of his heart. Another cause confirmed that his death was also due to acute ingestion of mixed drugs.

WHITNEY HOUSTON

American celebrity Whitney Houston who was a model, singer and actress was found dead in a bathtub February 11, 2012. It was after she appeared for a public performance, her last one, along with Kelly Price in Hollywood February 9, 2012.

Later it was deduced that the reason behind the drowning was cocaine usage. She had cocaine minutes before the accident. There were several other drugs found in Houston's system: Xanax, Benadryl, Flexeril and marijuana.

MICHAEL JACKSON

Arguably, the most shocking death in the recent past due to drug abuse is of Michael Jackson who died of benzodiazepine and propofol intoxication June 25, 2009. He was found dead after suffering from cardiac arrest at his Los Angeles residence. MJ's death is probably the most shocking moment in the history of music.