Young Hollywood

is certainly showing signs of serious struggle(s)... In the worst possible way.

Just a week ago, Brad Renfro ("The Client", "Apt Pupil") was found dead in his LA home. The 25-year-old actor had a history of drug abuse, but as of yet a definite cause of death has not been released. It has come out, however, that apparently the actor had a young son, listed only as "Y Renfro", who lived in Japan with his mother.

And just a little over an hour ago, it was released that Heath Ledger ("A Knight's Tale", "The Patriot", "Brokeback Mountain") was found dead in a downtown Manhattan residence. As of right now, the NYPD is saying drugs may have been a factor in the 28-year-old's death.

Normally I try to stay away from celebrity blogging, but two young stars in a week--more than likely both to drugs--kind of made me think and decide to put it out there. Even for people who aren't invested whatsoever in the lives of celebs, feel free to make this a round table discussion of sorts.

Mainly, what I don't understand is why these young celebrities turn to drugs and alcohol, becoming addicted to demons that often end their careers (and more importantly, their LIVES) way before their prime. Do they use it to mentally escape the constant media and paparazzi attention? Do they do it, many times starting underage, just in an attempt to "look cool"? Is it something that starts out "just for fun" and slowly sucks them in until the addiction is controlling them? Or do they do it because they actually like the feeling of being all fucked up, for lack of a better phrase?

It saddens me that so many young stars turn to addictions like these. Too many have been lost to addiction, going back even 20 years. Jimi Hendrix, BRILLIANT guitarist--drug overdose. Janis Joplin, raspy faced singer--drug overdose. Marilyn Monroe, actress and sex kitten--drug overdose. Heck, River Phoenix, actor (and beautiful man, might I add)--drug overdose. I'm convinced that these aforementioned stars did not even come CLOSE to living up to their full potential in life. Because of the addictions that took hold of them.

On that note, then you have to look at the young stars of today who COULD end up suffering the same end. Lindsay Lohan--drug / alcohol addiction. Britney Spears--suspected drug addiction. Paris Hilton--noted partier. It's just crazy that these girls (and the guys who lead lives like this) don't realize, or just plain don't care, about the consequences of behaving like this.

Renfro and Ledger are 2 prime examples. Sad as it is to say, it is the truth. What do you all think?