Is Cocaine Abuse and Alcohol Addiction to Blame for Mel B’s Divorce from Stephen Belafonte?
Mel B, former Spice Girls singer, may be battling addictions to both alcohol and cocaine. And according to estranged husband Stephen Belafonte, addiction is at the root of their recent divorce proceedings. Explore the evidence to understand their dynamic.
Most famously known as ‘Scary Spice’, Melanie Brown or ‘Mel B’ filed for divorce from her husband, Stephen Belafonte in March of this year. The reason? According to Belafonte, alcohol and cocaine addiction drove them apart.
Text Messages Tell the Story of Mel B’s Addiction
In recent weeks, the Hollywood couple’s custody battle and divorce hearings have become heated, and much attention has been given to Mel B’s alleged addiction to cocaine and alcohol. A group of text messages presented in court are said to show a conversation, between the couple and their therapist, in which Mel B agreed to take the anti-drinking drug ‘antabuse’.
In statements to reporters, media outlets and the courts, Belafonte has asserted that the main reason for their divorce is Mel B’s cocaine and alcohol abuse.
The Financial Costs of Mel B’s Cocaine Addiction
According to evidence recently submitted by Belafonte’s lawyer, Mel’s addiction has cost her – and her family – dearly. If allegations are true, her addiction to cocaine may have completely consumed the fortune she made with the Spice Girls – or about $50 million.
Unfortunately, if true, Mel is far from alone – it’s common for cocaine addiction to result in serious financial consequences.
Cocaine Addiction and Relationships
Everyone knows that divorce and custody battles can get ugly. Previous lovers become fire-breathing dragons, scorching each other with verbal flames at every opportunity in order to come out ahead in the court – so allegations discussed here must be taken with a grain of salt.
However, regardless of the validity of statements and evidence used in court, addiction is a recurring theme in this divorce struggle – and, thus, it’s a useful lens through which we can better understand the dynamics of Mel and Stephen’s relationship.
Addiction – especially to a ‘hard drug’ like cocaine – is notorious for wreaking havoc on relationships. Common signs of cocaine addiction include paranoia, panic and irritation – all traits that can damage relationships. Additionally, the ‘crash’ that comes within an hour of ingesting the drug includes agitation, depression and fatigue – symptoms which often induce cravings for more cocaine in an effort to get rid of or delay these unpleasant feelings.
It’s no surprise that this vicious cycle makes relationships more difficult – for both the person taking cocaine and their loved ones. If Mel B has been struggling with cocaine and alcohol addiction, it must have been incredibly difficult for her and her family to maintain a healthy, stable dynamic – resulting in the type of marital strain that often contributes to divorce.
The Dangers of Mixing Cocaine and Alcohol
Cocaine and alcohol are a common party mixture. In fact, many who abuse both substances will admit they rarely do one without the other. But this all-too-common drug cocktail makes the chances of sudden death 20 times higher than when using cocaine alone. This is mainly due to the fact that alcohol is a depressant and cocaine is a stimulant – and using them simultaneously strains the heart.
Additionally, when used together, they cancel each other out – which usually leads people to consume more of both drugs. Doing this puts severe stress on the body and endangers the liver.
If Mel B is using both cocaine and alcohol, she’s putting her health in serious danger.
Getting Treatment for Alcohol and Cocaine Addiction
As outsiders, it’s hard to know exactly what Mel B and her family are facing at this time.
But if she is struggling with addiction, the most important thing her family can do is help her to get professional treatment. Addiction cannot be cured with pills like ‘antabuse’ or ‘baclofen’ (which she has allegedly been prescribed). Instead, cocaine addiction must be addressed by treating the mind and body simultaneously, through a variety of therapies that will facilitate long-lasting change and resiliency.
If you’re concerned about your addiction, or a loved one’s, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Unfortunately, untreated addictions frequently lead to a decline in health, lost relationships, personal distress and even death. It’s important to reach out and get help before you hit rock bottom. To learn more about treatment options tailored to your needs and circumstances, fill out our online assessment form now.