As time goes by, it becomes difficult to imagine living without your fame – or at least frequent recognition when you’re out and about. Such acknowledgement seduces you into a co-dependent relationship.
Fame is said to be the most addictive dependencies. Like a narcotic, the high of validation and admiration produces a natural chemical within the body that can become emotionally and physically addictive. In response to the feel-good boost, the body produces higher levels of testosterone, the result of which is increased dopamine. The rush of naturally produced chemicals within our body makes us feel good, and causes us to seek the same experience, in order to produce more dopamine.
Drugs and alcohol do this as well, though researchers say the high experienced from power of celebrity is most like the high experienced from cocaine. Alertness, confidence, and energy is increased, but also paranoia, anxiety and restlessness.
Like an addict who becomes consumed with his or her next fix, some celebrities enter a stage in which they become consumed with remaining famous. The need for being admired becomes a narcotic – a needed fix to return to the delirium of the high. Embarking on a quest for a steady supply of admiration, adoration, approval and awe some go to misguided extremes to keep centered in the spotlight. At the ragged edge of notoriety there is almost nothing the fame addict will refrain from doing. To him, there is no such thing as bad publicity.
Fame is said to be the most addictive dependencies. Like a narcotic, the high of validation and admiration produces a natural chemical within the body that can become emotionally and physically addictive. In response to the feel-good boost, the body produces higher levels of testosterone, the result of which is increased dopamine. The rush of naturally produced chemicals within our body makes us feel good, and causes us to seek the same experience, in order to produce more dopamine.
Drugs and alcohol do this as well, though researchers say the high experienced from power of celebrity is most like the high experienced from cocaine. Alertness, confidence, and energy is increased, but also paranoia, anxiety and restlessness.
Like an addict who becomes consumed with his or her next fix, some celebrities enter a stage in which they become consumed with remaining famous. The need for being admired becomes a narcotic – a needed fix to return to the delirium of the high. Embarking on a quest for a steady supply of admiration, adoration, approval and awe some go to misguided extremes to keep centered in the spotlight. At the ragged edge of notoriety there is almost nothing the fame addict will refrain from doing. To him, there is no such thing as bad publicity.
To exist is to be seen, be watched, noticed, talked about – have your actions debated in the media and cocktail party murmurings. When the bright lights move on, even if temporarily, a feeling of emptiness, neglect, deprivation, unfairness, jealously and even humiliation can set in. The seemingly obviously solution is to do anything to bask in the bright light of being seen once again – even if placed in a compromising position.
Yet we’ve seen time and time again how a derailed fake romance publicity stunt, check-book philanthropy with a-n obvious lack of informed passion, an egotistical rant – or anything
done or said under the influence of alcohol – can undermine years of a
meticulously orchestrated persona. Also, like too much of a good thing,
overexposure even without over-the-top drama can also fatigue fans.
Moreover, there are predatory people who hope to cash in on your fame and fortune during the addictive phase. If seen in public, someone may attempt to start a fight with you in the hope that you’ll act out, capturing your knee-jerk reaction. Relatively large profits from suing you or selling their rapidly shot cell phone photos of your behavior – even if taken out of context. Those who will resort to unethical means for their own celebrity might also hope to profit from getting into some sort of legal tangle such as a traffic accident or becoming impregnated by you.
Not everyone exits the stage gracefully when fame fades. When the money and career ends, the celebrity experience also ends – a sobering reality for most.
Author and Credits: Valery Satterwhite