The world of art and substance abuse have often collided throughout history and it’s no real secret that both drugs and alcohol have had a huge influence on some of the world’s most famous and highly regarded artists.

That doesn’t mean they didn’t suffer though and many had the same mental health issues that currently those going through a drug detox and treatment do today. Interestingly, art therapy is something that works for many, but the life of many artists have had tragic endings due to abuse of substances.

We take a look back across history over some of the true greats and the problems they had with substances…

Vincent van Gogh
Known as one of the artists who struggled most, the mental and physical illnesses he suffered and such was the deterioration of both he is believed to have shot himself, unable to cope any longer.

Van Gogh throughout much of his life was addicted to alcohol and drugs, and that shows in his work with the yellow hues and sombre movements he’s known for a direct reflection of an unhealthy relationship with such substances.

He even admitted himself that his best work came while he wasn’t drinking, but he never got the help he needed to stay sober and live a healthier lifestyle.

Andy Warhol
Warhol was a huge influence in the pop art movement and was part of the cool New York scene of the 1960s. He worked with many iconic stars and had a fascination with drug culture that led him down the path of addiction.

It was a prescription drug that he became addicted to though, after being prescribed Obetrol in 1963, an amphetamine diet pill that was popular during the period.

Similar to speed, it became a huge part of his life and was a major influence on his work. He died following gallbladder surgery, with dehydration and overrun by his drug problem a large factor in that.

Jackson Pollock
It’s perhaps no surprise to hear that Jackson Pollock’s work was heavily influenced by drugs. He took the art world by storm when he emerged on the scene and is renowned even to this day as a cultural icon.

Alcohol was his vice though and he drank heavily from a very young age. He never sought help for the problem, and he battled depression throughout his life, with one doctor even diagnosing him with schizophrenia.

It all came to an end in 1956 when, drinking heavily one day, he crashed his car and killed not only himself but one of his two passengers too. A stark reminder to get help if you need it.