Famous Heroin Addicts

This gallery of famous heroin addicts shows that drug addiction can happen to virtually anyone, even someone who seems to have it all. Heroin is one of the most addictive and dangerous drugs available, and those who manage not to lose their lives while using the drug still lose a lot. Some of the stars in this slideshow have passed on and some are still struggling. A few have managed to kick heroin and offer everyone hope that you can survive by taking life one day at a time.

Once the lead singer of Nirvana, Kurt Cobain's painful heroin addiction was well publicized, and it may have played a role in his untimely death.

Courtney Love, widow of Kurt Cobain, doesn't make a secret of her addictions, and has often been seen behaving erratically in public. Her story is still unfolding, but she may yet find the strength to give up heroin and other illicet drugs.

Robert Downey Jr. may actually be better known for his drug-addled escapades than for his phenomenal acting talent. Downey has served time on drug-related charges, but he currently seems to have a handle on his heroin addiction and is currently making quite a career comeback. However, he will always need to be on guard against a relapse.

One of the greatest female rockers of all time, Janis Joplin actually overdosed on an exceptionally pure and powerful batch of heroin on October 4, 1970. What could have been an amazing career was cut all too short.

Jimi Hendrix is still revered as one of the all-time great guitar players, but he was no match for his drug addiction that included the use of heroin and other narcotics. He tragically overdosed on a lethal cocktail of drugs and alcohol on September 18, 1970.

Actor River Phoenix also had a deep addiction to heroin and overdosed on October 31, 1993 outside of Johnny Depp's Viper Room club. Who knows what this young star might have accomplished if not for his addiction.

Rolling Stones' guitarist Keith Richards is one of the rare individuals who has lived to come out on the other side of a heroin addiction.

Iconic Blues rocker Eric Clapton is another star who managed to kick his addiction and save his career.

Amy Winehouse is another famous person known to use heroin, and her struggles were fodder for the scandal-hungry press. She tried a couple of stints in rehab, but a full recovery from her addictions eluded her. This highly talented artist's story came to a tragic end on July 23, 2011. Even though she had been a heroin user, she actually died from alcohol poisoning.

Continue on to learn more about heroin use...