Andre Agassi, role model and athlete has admitted using the drug meth and I for one, applaud him. Apparently it is to be revealed in the tennis number one’s autobiography that he used crystal meths for a period of time.

This drug appears to be running rampant in celebrity circles, it is shocking and tragic and real. So it’s good that someone is telling the story honestly. Especially when that someone is a clean cut athletic type that we can all relate to, or at least look at and think, yeah that’s someone I’d be proud to call a friend or family member. It’s good because meth is a drug that crosses all ethnic, social and economic boundaries and destroys lives.

Celebrities who are obvious users that hide behind denial are either unable to face the truth or ashamed. That doesn’t actually help anyone. These stars can really change the world by admitting the hold the drug can have, even on the people that seem to have it all. The more people who are willing to admit their lives are affected by this poison, the more politicians and ordinary people will take notice and force the changes that will end this scourge for good.

Andre Agassi was born April 29, 1970 to parents of modest means. He grew up to be one of the greatest tennis players of all time and one of the most charismatic and volatile players of all time too. This combination of talent and personality drew the crowds and revived tennis as a spectator sport. Agassi added to his fame and mystique in 1997 when he married former movie star Brooke Shields. Less than two years later they were divorced.

After winning the grand slam together, Andre and fellow tennis player Stefi Graf began dating. They have since married and have two children Jaden Gil and Jaz Elle and the pair is still happily married.

Agassi has always been a philanthropist, donating hundreds of thousands to charities. He can now proudly wear another goodwill feather in his cap by helping to remove the shame of meth addicts and maybe open the door to them, and their families, to getting help to be free of addiction.

In the book Agassi describes just how easy it was to slip into the world of drugs. One impulsive, ‘what the hell moment’ which led down him down a path of drugs and deception. Agassi is quoted as saying:

"As if they're coming out of someone else's mouth, I hear these words: You know what? F*** it. Yeah. Let's get high.

"Slim dumps a small pile of powder on the coffee table. He cuts it, snorts it. He cuts it again. I snort some. I ease back on the couch and consider the Rubicon I've just crossed.

"There is a moment of regret, followed by vast sadness. Then comes a tidal wave of euphoria that sweeps away every negative thought in my head. I've never felt so alive, so hopeful -- and I've never felt such energy," Agassi says.

It is a moment most of us can relate to in one way or another. Fortunately the consequences of our bad decisions are not usually as damning as the decision to take this highly potent narcotic.

Other celebrities who are admitted users of methamphetamine are of course Amy Winehouse who has been in and out of treatment, Ryan and Redmond O’Neal who were charged with narcotics possession and Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas who has been vocal with her story of use and recovery. The most infamous user of all time was of course Adolph Hitler. Scary!

Speculation about meth use also surrounds high profile celebrities Britney Spears, the Olson Twins, Eddie Van Halen, Jodie Sweetin and Nicole Ritchie. For the most part the rumours are probably just rumours, but imagine what would happen if all the famous meth addicts or users, present and past, came out of the closet and blew this whole thing wide open. They could really do so much good.

Good for you Andre, you deserve to be supported for your courage and humility.