It's been four days since the body of Whitney Houston was found in a Los Angeles hotel room. Final autopsy and toxicology reports won't be available for several weeks. But as our Melissa Kakareka tells us, the singer's past struggles with drugs already have many people wondering whether something positive can come out of her death when it comes to raising awareness.

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BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- Police are still investigating whether or not drugs were a factor in the death of Whitney Houston over the weekend. But the loss has already inspired widespread speculation about the singer's past history with drug abuse and whether or not her death can help raise awareness of an issue affecting countless Americans every day.

"Drug addiction affects every aspect of a person's life, physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, socially and legally, people get into legal trouble as well," explained UHS Director of Behavioral Health Alan Wilmarth.

Specialists say high profile cases like Houston's don't cause an emotional affect on most patients. And they don't increase the number of patients seeking treatment for abuse. But some therapists may use stories like Houston's to help teach patients that no one is immune from drug addiction or accidental overdose.

"It's something that we certainly would talk about, that lots of people have died as a result from drug addiction. Some are famous, some are not," said Wilmarth.

Experts say the drug-related death of any celebrity can lend support for stricter regulations on prescription drugs in the country.

"I do believe the passing of someone like Whitney Houston who is so famous can clearly force the discussion around having more meaningful discussions around restricting prescription drugs,. Prescription drug abuse is an absolute epidemic in our country. We need to have tighter restrictions, tighter restrictions on access to prescription pharmaceuticals and prescription narcotics because they are everywhere and they are easy to get," said Wilmarth.

A regulation that would be one of many steps that could help prevent and treat drug addiction.