Whitney Houston’s Death a ‘Teachable Moment,’ Says White House Drug Control Director [Video]

Feb 14, 2012

Seems like everyone is jumping on the Whitney-died-because-of-substance-abuse bandwagon even though the Coroners toxicology reports won’t be coming for weeks.

"[Houston’s death] also tells you that the drug problem crosses almost every demographic and economic barrier," he says. "So, we can use this as a moment to help people understand, remember there are literally millions of Americans who are struggling with this problem, either themselves or a close family member. So, we can use this as a chance to move forward," Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, told CBS News.

"I think it’s what we might call a teachable moment when someone passes, particularly someone that was as highly thought of and was such an incredible performer as Whitney Houston,"  Kerlikowske said.