Cory Monteith's Substance Abuse Struggle Will Inspire Others Who 'Don't Have A Direction,' Friend Says

Cory Monteith's Friend Opens Up About His Substance Abuse

People are still reeling over the news that "Glee" actor Cory Monteith was found dead in his Vancouver hotel room on July 13 at the age of 31.

But what still remains a mystery is his cause of death -- autopsy results will supposedly be released early this week.

Monteith had been open about his struggle with substance abuse and voluntarily entered a treatment facility in March for his issues. Following his stay in rehab, Monteith was "doing great" after "renewing his vows to sobriety," his co-star Jane Lynch told Larry King before his death. And although some news outlets are saying Monteith died of a possible overdose, no details have been released to further prove this assumption.

Still, the actor's close friend Brook Lander Shurtz told E! News that Monteith's "genuine" candidness about his addiction issues will be an inspiration for others who are battling the same demons.

"He handled things very honestly. He acknowledged his past, and he accepted responsibility," Shurtz said. "But I think he used it in a way to help others and bring a positive message that he came from a certain place and he made it out. And I think that people are down and out on their luck, I think Cory is an inspirational story and will live on, and will continue to be an inspirational story for all these people that are struggling and maybe don't have a direction. I think they can look to him and say, 'I can do it too.'"

Our hearts go out to Cory's family and friends.

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L'Wren Scott

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