Lisa Marie Presley’s memoir: A Heartbreaking Journey Through Opioid Addiction

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Introduction

Lisa Marie Presley’s life was characterised by fame, loss, and personal hardship. Her posthumous memoir, From Here to the Great Unknown, provided a unique and intimate peek into her heartbreaking fight with heroin addiction. Presley’s frank and unedited account of her hardships reveals their toll on her life, especially following the birth of her twins, Finley and Harper, in 2008.

A glimpse into Lisa Marie Presley’s life.

Lisa Marie, the daughter of Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, was no stranger to fame. However, beneath the public face was a lady dealing with her inner issues. Her memoir, published after her untimely death in 2023, sheds light on her struggles, including her brutal fight with opiate addiction, which began during her postpartum period.

Postpartum Struggles and the onset of addiction

Lisa Marie was offered medicines to ease the pain she experienced after giving birth to her twins by C-section. According to her daughter, Riley Keough, this prescription signalled the start of a downward spiral. While it was initially intended for pain relief, it quickly morphed into something considerably more harmful.

The Spread of Addiction

Lisa Marie’s memoir frankly detailed how her opiate use spiralled out of control. What began as a necessary technique of dealing with bodily pain grew into an unbearable addiction. “It escalated to 80 pills per day,” Presley wrote, describing how her addiction grew over time. She explained how her tolerance grew, prompting her to take more time to attain the same result.

The Tipping Point: When It Was Too Much

Lisa Marie found it difficult to distinguish between casual use and reliance. She stated that at some point, the medications became less about relieving physical pain and more about suppressing emotional and psychological distress. “It was too painful to be sober,” she wrote, describing how narcotics went from being a need to an escape.

The Battle for Withdrawal

Lisa Marie did not shy away from revealing the anguish of addiction. The narrative delves into the brutal reality of withdrawal, which she describes as being “in the big leagues” of pain. Withdrawal was not only physically exhausting but also emotionally devastating, making her want to give up on life.

Riley Keough’s Perspective

Riley Keough wrote a moving article for the memoir, recounting her mother’s harrowing journey from the outside looking in. Riley revealed that Lisa Marie felt a great deal of guilt and humiliation over her addiction, especially since she had two young children to care for. “She progressed to taking them to sleep,” Riley explained, adding that her mother was initially prescribed opioids for her C-section pain but quickly became dependent on them for more than just physical relief.

The Burden of Shame

One of the most moving aspects of Lisa Marie’s narrative was the guilt she felt as a mother struggling with addiction. Regardless of how much she loved her children, she thought she was failing them. This emotional load fuelled her addiction, making it even more challenging to overcome.

Hospitalisation & Rehabilitation

Lisa Marie’s health deteriorated considerably during her addiction. She was eventually hospitalised as a result of her opioid usage, and as part of her recovery, she was placed in a court-ordered rehabilitation centre in Los Angeles. Despite the intervention, her daughter Riley said she did not believe her mother was ready to be clean.

The Struggle continues

Lisa Marie sought help, but the road to recovery was not simple. Addiction is a complex condition that cannot be cured overnight. Presley’s fight with opioids was never-ending, requiring more than just medical treatment—it demanded deep emotional and mental healing, which she battled to find.

Lisa Marie Presley’s Tragic Passing

Lisa Marie Presley died at the age of 54 in 2023. Her death was due to a minor intestinal obstruction, a long-term consequence of bariatric surgery. However, her fight with opioid addiction had a long-term impact on her life and health, contributing to her frail physical state.

Riley Keough’s Decision to Release the Memoir

Riley, Lisa Marie’s daughter, faced the difficult decision to publish her mother’s memoir following her death. She emphasised her desire to honour her mother’s wishes by sharing her experience with the world in the hopes that it will benefit others. Riley hoped her mother’s sensitivity and honesty would comfort other families dealing with similar challenges.

 

A message of hope and connection

Lisa Marie’s story emphasised the value of connection and human experience. She wanted people to understand that they weren’t alone in their experiences with addiction, heartache, and loss. Her narrative, although terrible, served as a reminder that even in the darkest of circumstances, there is hope for healing and forgiveness.

Lessons from Lisa Marie’s Story

Lisa Marie Presley’s memoir is a compelling reminder of the perils of opiate addiction, as well as the importance of understanding and supporting individuals who struggle with substance misuse. Her openness about her struggle presents a picture of a woman torn between celebrity and fragility, fighting an internal conflict many people can identify with.

The Importance of Getting Help

Addiction is a disease, not a moral failure. Lisa Marie’s tale emphasises the significance of seeking help and receiving support from loved ones. While her road was fraught with ups and downs, it serves as a warning tale for anyone suffering in silence.

Breaking the Stigma of Addiction

Lisa Marie’s narrative emphasises the importance of breaking the stigma associated with addiction. She was a mother, a daughter, and a public personality, but she was, first and foremost, a human being dealing with a sickness. Her bravery in sharing her tale after her death paves the way for others to speak up without shame.

Conclusion
Lisa Marie Presley’s story is a heartbreaking narrative of a lady who endured unspeakable agony and loss, exacerbated by a devastating addiction. Her openness about her opiate struggles throws focus on the more significant issue of addiction and the toll it takes on individuals and their families. In her parting words, she hoped that her story would touch others and remind them that they are not alone. Through her pain, she leaves a legacy of empathy and comprehension.

FAQs

1. What led to Lisa Marie Presley’s drug addiction?
Lisa Marie’s addiction began after she was prescribed medications after giving birth to her twins via C-section. What started as a necessary remedy for bodily pain quickly developed into an unbearable addiction.

2. How has Lisa Marie Presley’s addiction affected her family?
Her addiction caused severe mental distress for her family, particularly her daughter Riley, who contributed to the memoir. Lisa Marie felt a great deal of shame and remorse as a mother dealing with addiction.

3. What caused Lisa Marie Presley’s death?
Lisa Marie died of a minor bowel obstruction, which was a consequence of her bariatric surgery. Her struggle with addiction worsened her health over time, resulting in her premature death.

4. Why did Riley Keough publish her mother’s memoir?
Riley published the story in honour of her mother’s wishes, believing it would help other families dealing with addiction and sorrow.

5. What message did Lisa Marie Presley want to express through her memoir?
Lisa Marie hoped her tale would be a light of hope for others battling addiction. Her message was one of human connection, assuring others they are not alone in their grief.