Freddie and drugs - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Anna · 06-27-2001, 05:33 PM

Any Idea what got Freddie on drugs in the first place? He was so young, was it peer pressure? unhappy at home? I don`t think I ever heard.

Peko · 06-27-2001, 09:13 PM

I never thought it was peer pressure, especially when I read how Freddie almost overdosed when he was a teenager. I think his Mom should have seeked help for him then. I think it was something eating at him.

chicosladyfair · 06-27-2001, 10:11 PM

I am a firm believer that a well rounded, well adjusted young adult does not seek out the comfort of drugs unless there is something going on in his life that is disturbing to him. I want to tell you all something that has been a well kept secret of mine. Only one other person on these boards knows about this. I feel comfortable enough to share this with you all. When I was 9 my mother divorced my father and married another man. This man molested me from the ages of 9 to 12. This was all from 1974-77. Do those dates sound familiar to anyone? They should. Freddie/Chico was my safe place to go during these times. He was sort of like a hero to me I guess. To me, Freddie was the image of a human being that would never hurt anybody. Freddie shot himself on Jan. 28, 1977 and the last time my step-father touched me was Feb. 7, 1977. Freddie was my saving grace. As for the drugs...I started doing them when I was 14 and continued until 11 years ago. I have 11 years clean and sober. But...I got HELP! I went through the counseling and the therapy. And through the 12-step programs.
Now, I'm not saying that what happened to me happened to Freddie, but I do know through my years of therapy that a kid doesn't just go off and do drugs cause he's bored. He doesn't try to committ suicide just because there's nothing better to do. There was a deep, deep depression inside Freddie that made him do what he did. I couldn't swear by it or anything else, but there was something in his childhood that drove him to the thoughts he had. I hope I haven't cast a dim light on this thread for anybody...maybe I can get someone to speak out and realize that there are others out there who have been through the same thing. God bless each one of you and thank you for letting me share this.

DJM77 · 06-27-2001, 10:28 PM

I think he had a injury and then he got
addicted to the painkillers that were
perscribed to him.

Anna · 06-27-2001, 10:44 PM

Chicosfairlady, Thank God Freddie was your saving grace. If only he had known that,you never know but it could of made a difference in him. I`m sorry you went through that, but thank God your still here with all of us.
we Love you Chicosfairlady, please never forget that.

Karen64 · 06-27-2001, 11:09 PM

Chicosladyfair, what a truly crummy thing to have to go through as a young girl! I'm sorry that had to happen to you, and then the addiction, but it's great that you've been clean for so many years!
We might never know what kind of demons Freddie was hiding; if there was more pain in his childhood than just the neighborhood bullies...

bella66 · 06-28-2001, 12:01 AM

Chicosladyfair, I'm sorry that you went through all that. I know a few people that went through similar times but didn't get help. Thank God and Freddie you did. God bless you.

Cheryl Harrell · 06-28-2001, 06:17 AM

Wow, so sorry to hear about what happened to ya. Glad you were able to get off the drugs. Too bad they couldn't have gotten Freddie help. I wonder what caused him to do them? I too read he had an injury but I forget what it was... Back when I was a teen in the 70's kids back then only did drugs for fun mainly pot & didn't do them to get hooked. When he tried to kill himself after that Nani girl broke up, they should've gotten him help for it. I guess his Mom thought it was a one time thing & never realized how bad off he was...

atlangel · 06-28-2001, 08:54 AM

Chicosladyfair, I am so sorry that you went through that terror and injustice as a young lady. I am angered that you were hurt. You are such a kind person and should never have been subjected to this horrible ordeal. I hate the thought of any child being put through this awful situation. They are so helpless and confused by it all.

I am supremely grateful to the Lord that you have survived, in spite of what this despicable individual did. You are so talented and gifted.

I am really upset over this and am trying to hold it together.

I am very proud of you for the eleven years of sobriety and for not allowing anyone to prevent you from becoming the wonderful, warm, kind, and generous lady you are. I admire your strength and fortitude in all things.

I know Freddie would have been furious at the circumstances, yet proud that he was that friend and anchor that you could hold on to. This is such a phenomenal tribute and testament to him! I know he is smiling and encouraging you and always has.

Please know that I love you, appreciate you, respect you and also cry over the pain you encountered. I will say a prayer that Our Father keeps you in His perfect peace. If there is ever anything I can do to aid you in anyway, please do not hesitate to ask or let me know.

I commend you for sharing with us and the ability to open up with us on this painful subject. I know others will be helped and reminded that they are not alone and can reach out for help - because it is there.

I agree with you and so much appreciate your analysis of why a child would turn to drugs or attempt suicide. This makes sense. Something more was behind Freddie's pain that we may never know. You have given us a better understanding of the dynamics of a adolescent that is troubled.

Caring,

Atlangel

[This message has been edited by atlangel (edited 11-29-2001).]

Joy · 06-28-2001, 10:50 AM

Chicosladyfair,
I'm so sorry for what you had to go through.
How devastating for you.
I am so glad that you were able to get help so you could be here today to encourage and inspire us all.
God bless you

chicosladyfair · 06-28-2001, 01:41 PM

I want to thank you all for your understanding and support...I was hoping to maybe shed some light on the state of mind of someone who has been traumatized by an unhappy childhood and in reading the posts here and on the other thread about Freddie's dad I can't help but feel something about his home life. We will never know the answers we seek about what drove such a talented young man to the brink of self-destruction. Maybe it's not for us to know. Maybe Karl resented Freddie. From what I have learned Karl had a drinking problem. He also lost a child to a tragic drowning. Does anybody know if the little girl died before Freddie was born? I truly and sincerely hope I'm wrong...but something inside me tells me that Karl may have been violent toward Freddie. Maybe he resented the fact that Freddie couldn't and never would replace the child he lost. I think we could pick these things apart all day long and never come up with an answer or a reason why Freddie lost it the way he did. But I think it helps us to talk about it...for our own sake. Thank you all for being there for me.

Cheryl Harrell · 06-28-2001, 03:18 PM

I think Karls child that died was form his first marriage...

atlangel · 06-28-2001, 03:51 PM

Yep, Cheryl, you're correct.

hue_mee · 06-28-2001, 09:10 PM

I was just thinking about this subject today . Then I found it in the mesaage board.
Freddie was so hung up on the drugs to keep himself sane through out his ordeal with his divorce, not being able to see his son and the pressures of CATM and his stand up.
I not suprise he hadn't died sooner with what he was taking !
I was upset when his birthday came. Then I focused on the laughter and love he gave to everyone around him then and now. I still constantly think of his love and joy he has given us today with the reruns and clubs. Thanks everyone for there continued love and support for all us Freddie fanatics !

Cheryl Harrell · 06-29-2001, 04:22 PM

My CAN YOU HEAR THE LAUGHTER video arrived today. Can't wait to watch it tonite! It'll probably be sad...

06-27-2001, 05:33 PM	#1
Anna Member Frequent Poster Join Date: May 23, 2001 Location: Indpls,Ind. U.S.A. Posts: 442	Freddie and drugs Any Idea what got Freddie on drugs in the first place? He was so young, was it peer pressure? unhappy at home? I don`t think I ever heard.

06-27-2001, 09:13 PM	#2
Peko Banned Banned!! Frequent Poster Join Date: Apr 03, 2001 Posts: 181	I never thought it was peer pressure, especially when I read how Freddie almost overdosed when he was a teenager. I think his Mom should have seeked help for him then. I think it was something eating at him.

06-27-2001, 10:11 PM	#3
chicosladyfair Member Forum Regular Join Date: Apr 10, 2001 Location: Sunny California Posts: 770	I am a firm believer that a well rounded, well adjusted young adult does not seek out the comfort of drugs unless there is something going on in his life that is disturbing to him. I want to tell you all something that has been a well kept secret of mine. Only one other person on these boards knows about this. I feel comfortable enough to share this with you all. When I was 9 my mother divorced my father and married another man. This man molested me from the ages of 9 to 12. This was all from 1974-77. Do those dates sound familiar to anyone? They should. Freddie/Chico was my safe place to go during these times. He was sort of like a hero to me I guess. To me, Freddie was the image of a human being that would never hurt anybody. Freddie shot himself on Jan. 28, 1977 and the last time my step-father touched me was Feb. 7, 1977. Freddie was my saving grace. As for the drugs...I started doing them when I was 14 and continued until 11 years ago. I have 11 years clean and sober. But...I got HELP! I went through the counseling and the therapy. And through the 12-step programs. Now, I'm not saying that what happened to me happened to Freddie, but I do know through my years of therapy that a kid doesn't just go off and do drugs cause he's bored. He doesn't try to committ suicide just because there's nothing better to do. There was a deep, deep depression inside Freddie that made him do what he did. I couldn't swear by it or anything else, but there was something in his childhood that drove him to the thoughts he had. I hope I haven't cast a dim light on this thread for anybody...maybe I can get someone to speak out and realize that there are others out there who have been through the same thing. God bless each one of you and thank you for letting me share this.

06-27-2001, 10:28 PM	#4
DJM77 Member Forum Veteran Join Date: May 15, 2001 Location: Missouri Posts: 5,566	I think he had a injury and then he got addicted to the painkillers that were perscribed to him.

06-27-2001, 10:44 PM	#5
Anna Member Frequent Poster Join Date: May 23, 2001 Location: Indpls,Ind. U.S.A. Posts: 442	Chicosfairlady, Thank God Freddie was your saving grace. If only he had known that,you never know but it could of made a difference in him. I`m sorry you went through that, but thank God your still here with all of us. we Love you Chicosfairlady, please never forget that.

06-27-2001, 11:09 PM	#6
Karen64 Comedy Fan Senior Member Join Date: Mar 24, 2001 Location: Kansas Posts: 1,412	Chicosladyfair, what a truly crummy thing to have to go through as a young girl! I'm sorry that had to happen to you, and then the addiction, but it's great that you've been clean for so many years! We might never know what kind of demons Freddie was hiding; if there was more pain in his childhood than just the neighborhood bullies...

06-28-2001, 12:01 AM	#7
bella66 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Apr 03, 2001 Location: Illinois U.S. Posts: 227	Chicosladyfair, I'm sorry that you went through all that. I know a few people that went through similar times but didn't get help. Thank God and Freddie you did. God bless you.

06-28-2001, 06:17 AM	#8
Cheryl Harrell I Love You Mike 4-Ever Forum Veteran Join Date: Mar 23, 2001 Location: Pixley!!!! Actually VA--USA LOL! Posts: 6,192	Wow, so sorry to hear about what happened to ya. Glad you were able to get off the drugs. Too bad they couldn't have gotten Freddie help. I wonder what caused him to do them? I too read he had an injury but I forget what it was... Back when I was a teen in the 70's kids back then only did drugs for fun mainly pot & didn't do them to get hooked. When he tried to kill himself after that Nani girl broke up, they should've gotten him help for it. I guess his Mom thought it was a one time thing & never realized how bad off he was...

06-28-2001, 08:54 AM	#9
atlangel Member Forum Regular Join Date: May 02, 2001 Location: Lawrenceville, GA, USA Posts: 523	Chicosladyfair, I am so sorry that you went through that terror and injustice as a young lady. I am angered that you were hurt. You are such a kind person and should never have been subjected to this horrible ordeal. I hate the thought of any child being put through this awful situation. They are so helpless and confused by it all. I am supremely grateful to the Lord that you have survived, in spite of what this despicable individual did. You are so talented and gifted. I am really upset over this and am trying to hold it together. I am very proud of you for the eleven years of sobriety and for not allowing anyone to prevent you from becoming the wonderful, warm, kind, and generous lady you are. I admire your strength and fortitude in all things. I know Freddie would have been furious at the circumstances, yet proud that he was that friend and anchor that you could hold on to. This is such a phenomenal tribute and testament to him! I know he is smiling and encouraging you and always has. Please know that I love you, appreciate you, respect you and also cry over the pain you encountered. I will say a prayer that Our Father keeps you in His perfect peace. If there is ever anything I can do to aid you in anyway, please do not hesitate to ask or let me know. I commend you for sharing with us and the ability to open up with us on this painful subject. I know others will be helped and reminded that they are not alone and can reach out for help - because it is there. I agree with you and so much appreciate your analysis of why a child would turn to drugs or attempt suicide. This makes sense. Something more was behind Freddie's pain that we may never know. You have given us a better understanding of the dynamics of a adolescent that is troubled. Caring, Atlangel [This message has been edited by atlangel (edited 11-29-2001).]

06-28-2001, 10:50 AM	#10
Joy Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 10, 2001 Location: In Mn lovin my DVD and the Prinze of comedy!!! Posts: 3,247	Chicosladyfair, I'm so sorry for what you had to go through. How devastating for you. I am so glad that you were able to get help so you could be here today to encourage and inspire us all. God bless you

06-28-2001, 01:41 PM	#11
chicosladyfair Member Forum Regular Join Date: Apr 10, 2001 Location: Sunny California Posts: 770	I want to thank you all for your understanding and support...I was hoping to maybe shed some light on the state of mind of someone who has been traumatized by an unhappy childhood and in reading the posts here and on the other thread about Freddie's dad I can't help but feel something about his home life. We will never know the answers we seek about what drove such a talented young man to the brink of self-destruction. Maybe it's not for us to know. Maybe Karl resented Freddie. From what I have learned Karl had a drinking problem. He also lost a child to a tragic drowning. Does anybody know if the little girl died before Freddie was born? I truly and sincerely hope I'm wrong...but something inside me tells me that Karl may have been violent toward Freddie. Maybe he resented the fact that Freddie couldn't and never would replace the child he lost. I think we could pick these things apart all day long and never come up with an answer or a reason why Freddie lost it the way he did. But I think it helps us to talk about it...for our own sake. Thank you all for being there for me.

06-28-2001, 03:18 PM	#12
Cheryl Harrell I Love You Mike 4-Ever Forum Veteran Join Date: Mar 23, 2001 Location: Pixley!!!! Actually VA--USA LOL! Posts: 6,192	I think Karls child that died was form his first marriage...

06-28-2001, 03:51 PM	#13
atlangel Member Forum Regular Join Date: May 02, 2001 Location: Lawrenceville, GA, USA Posts: 523	Yep, Cheryl, you're correct.

06-28-2001, 09:10 PM	#14
hue_mee Remembering Freddie Senior Member Join Date: Jan 28, 2001 Location: Grateful for a voice from our angel's friend Posts: 2,266	I was just thinking about this subject today . Then I found it in the mesaage board. Freddie was so hung up on the drugs to keep himself sane through out his ordeal with his divorce, not being able to see his son and the pressures of CATM and his stand up. I not suprise he hadn't died sooner with what he was taking ! I was upset when his birthday came. Then I focused on the laughter and love he gave to everyone around him then and now. I still constantly think of his love and joy he has given us today with the reruns and clubs. Thanks everyone for there continued love and support for all us Freddie fanatics !

06-29-2001, 04:22 PM	#15
Cheryl Harrell I Love You Mike 4-Ever Forum Veteran Join Date: Mar 23, 2001 Location: Pixley!!!! Actually VA--USA LOL! Posts: 6,192	My CAN YOU HEAR THE LAUGHTER video arrived today. Can't wait to watch it tonite! It'll probably be sad...