As soon as it was made public that Lindsay Lohan would be guest hosting Saturday Night Live (SNL), the media and the blogosphere lit up discussing whether or not this was a wise decision on her part given her recent issues. SNL is a famously stressful job for the host and the post-show reviews can turn that stress into downright panic. This pressure can be difficult for the most seasoned actor or actress but for someone like Lohan, who is in the beginning stages of her recovery process and trying to make a comeback in her career, it could be overwhelming.

As it turned out, Lohan had nothing to worry about; her appearance was rewarded with big ratings – the second highest ratings of the season so far. But in terms of recovery, was it a good idea to take such a huge risk so soon?

Lohan Appears to Be Realistic About Moving Forward

Lohan left her last rehab over a year ago and is in the final weeks of her court-ordered probation. She claims she has surrounded herself with sober friends and now considers herself to be a “homebody” rather than the party girl she once was. In a recent interview with Matt Lauer, Lohan said she hoped to regain the trust of potential employers: ”I think that takes time… I still need to go through the process of proving myself…”

Did Lohan give herself enough time in recovery before launching herself back onto the public stage? Only time will tell. There is no magic number of sober days that will make Lohan – or anyone for that matter – definitively ready.

What Are the Best Strategies to Maintain Sobriety After Drug Rehab?

• Make a plan. Knowing how you will handle stress and cravings before they happen gives you something positive to do when you most want to relapse.
• Find sober friends. Hanging out with individuals who support your sobriety and have no relationship to your drug use is a great way to get a fresh perspective on life.
• Continue counseling. These sessions can provide accountability and a venue to process stress and difficult decisions.
• Proper nutrition. Eating healthy and regularly can keep emotions and energy on an even keel.
• Regular exercise. Working out can cause the release of endorphins and help you flush out toxins, both of which will have positive effects on your mood.
• Know your triggers. Becoming cognizant of the people or situations that make you want to use allows you to decide how you will safely handle those events ahead of time.
• Explore your spirituality. Exploration of spiritual ideas, beliefs and traditions can offer you support in times of struggle.

If you are having a hard time staying on track in your recovery and need additional help, don’t wait to give us a call. We can link you up with a wide range of support options to help you successfully maintain your sobriety. Contact us today and allow us to assist you in finding an aftercare plan that is right for you.

Leslie Carter was the sister of Backstreet Boys Nick Carter and Aaron Carter. Last month, she died at the age of 25, leaving behind a daughter who was less than a year old. Why? Her family members believe that her death was caused by an overdose of prescription medication.

Did Leslie Carter Die of a Prescription Drug Overdose?

A star in her own right, Carter was on the reality show House of Carters and an aspiring singer. But prescription drug dependence was causing her serious problems and she had recently moved back to upstate New York to live with her family in an attempt to fight the problem, according to TMZ. According to reports, her family tried to empty the house of all prescription drugs in an attempt to help Carter heal but when they left the house briefly to do a few errands, they came home to find her unconscious. Emergency medical professionals were called immediately, but they could not revive Carter and she never woke up. Though the results of the autopsy have not yet been returned, many believe that her addiction was the cause of her death.

Protecting Your Loved Ones From Prescription Drug Overdose

Family members who recognize a prescription drug addiction in their loved one often do exactly what the Carters did – bring their loved one home and try to help him or her stop abusing drugs on their own. Unfortunately, despite the best of intentions, the risks to this method of cold turkey, at-home detox are great, and prescription drug overdose is one of them. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe and too much for most addicts to handle on their own. Given the first opportunity, they will likely relapse on any drug they can find – and many take too much for their systems to handle. Relapse during detox or after a period of sobriety is one of the most common – and deadly – situations for a prescription drug overdose.

Getting a Loved One to Agree to Treatment

The safest way for someone struggling with a physical and psychological prescription drug addiction to stop abusing their drug of choice is to enter into an inpatient treatment facility that provides round-the-clock medical care and support. If the patient is over the age of 18, however, he or she must voluntarily agree to get help – this isn’t always easy or even possible. An intervention, however, may help.

Contact us today at the phone number listed above to learn more about how you can help your loved one fight a prescription drug dependence. Call now.

Whether or not Kim Richards of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills was struggling with drug and alcohol addiction was a huge focus of the show over the last couple of seasons. Always denying that she had a problem, Richards continually downplayed her erratic behavior and blamed it on everything from being overly tired to her medication. Her friends and relatives on the show often questioned her story but few confronted her with any conviction, so when she announced a couple months ago that she was headed into rehab, it was her confession that surprised people and not the act itself.

Self-Medicating With Alcohol

In the third installment of the RHOBH reunion episode, Richards talked about her issues with drugs and alcohol as well as her decision to enter rehab.

Said Richards: “I’m an alcoholic. I have so much guilt and shame for my behavior and what I did. And then I drank to cover the guilt and shame. When I first started the season, I was still not drinking and you could see my confidence level. And then you could see just from my behavior when I lost my confidence and started drinking. I could not watch the show when I saw that behavior coming out of myself because I was so ashamed of what I’d done.”

Concern of Friends and Family

Throughout the seasons, Richards’ sister, Kyle, often expressed concern for Kim’s well-being – and anger at the choices she made that seemed to de-prioritize the needs of those around her. Kyle was often hurt at Kim’s insensitivity to events that were important to her or her chronic lateness that kept everyone waiting. It’s a common issue in families where addiction or alcoholism is an issue; it’s not just the addict who is hurt, but everyone else in the family as well.

Making It Work

This isn’t the first time that Richards has attempted to stop drinking, but she feels confident that she has a real shot this time around.

When asked about her history with rehabilitation and treatment, she said: “I’m a person that has done it and relapsed and done it. But at least I’m trying. I felt off. I just didn’t like me anymore and I couldn’t look at myself in the mirror anymore. I just really want this. I’ll work really hard for it every day.”

If you need help taking that first step toward a healthy and happy life in recovery, pick up the phone and give us a call. We can connect you with a high-quality program that can effectively treat your addiction issues.

Celebrities around the world have been commenting on the death of pop star Whitney Houston. With her very public struggle with drug addiction, demonstrated on her season on reality show Being Bobby Brown, her interview on Oprah, and her missteps on stage over the past decade, few believed that her death wasn’t somehow related to overdose or drug abuse. Now that the coroner’s report is back, it’s clear that drugs, including cocaine, played a part in her death. While the cause of Houston’s death is drowning, cocaine use and heart disease – perhaps due to years of drug use – were contributing factors.

Celine Dion is one of the celebs to speak out about Houston’s life and death. As an equally successful pop star, she is uniquely qualified to comment on what Houston’s experience may have been – the struggles that come with living on tour, the expectations to continually produce amazing work, and the stresses that come with worldwide renown – and how that may have affected her emotionally.

Celine Dion Calls Whitney Houston an ‘Inspiration’

Dion called into the show, Good Morning America, and said: “It’s just really unfortunate that drugs, bad people, bad influences took over her dreams, her motherhood. When you think about Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Amy Winehouse, Michael Jackson…. To get into drugs like that for whatever reason – because of stress, bad influence, whatever.

“What happens when you have everything? Love, support, motherhood… Something happens that I don’t understand. That’s why I’m scared of show business, of drugs and hanging out. That’s why I don’t go to parties!”

Celebrity and Drug Addiction

It’s true that celebrities seem to struggle with addiction and overdose in numbers disproportionate to the rest of the population. However, issues that celebrities have with addiction are more widely reported than are the struggles of the rest of the population. So is there a special connection between celebrity and addiction that is unique?

What we know for sure is that drug addiction and alcoholism are an epidemic in this country. No matter their age, race, income or ethnicity, Americans are struggling with maintaining a functional relationship with legal and illegal addictive substances. Drug dependence is not something that only celebrities deal with. Everyone has pressure in their life – paying bills, taking care of kids, interacting with family and significant others – and addiction becomes a way to self-medicate for many people, whether or not the paparazzi are lurking in the shadows.

Are addiction and drug dependency issues for you? Don’t wait until overdose sneaks up on you or major health problems develop to get the help you need. Call now to speak to a counselor about your options for treatment across the United States.

Josh Hamilton, the superstar outfielder for the Texas Rangers, has publicly battled addiction in recent years. Both drugs and alcohol threatened to end the pro-baseball player’s career early if he did not change his ways. Hamilton claims his religion assisted him back to a sober lifestyle and not only saved his career, but most likely his life as well. In the past three years, Hamilton has relapsed twice. The first time was in 2009 when he ended up drinking in a bar in Arizona and shirtless pictures of him were taken with a bunch of women.

Now Hamilton says in the last few weeks he was having a difficult time due to family issues and contract negotiations at work. In a moment of weakness he admits to drinking in a bar in Dallas. In a public statement Hamilton asked for forgiveness by saying, “For everybody who I have hurt – fans, kids, people who have addictions look to me, look up to me – I apologize to you.”

Guidelines to Help Avoid Chronic Relapse

A chronic relapser needs to take a look at the emotional and environmental conditions surrounding them when they revert back to negative coping strategies. This way the recovering addict can make practical plans that do not involve drinking or drugs in the future when similar scenarios start to arise. Here are some tips to help avoid chronic drug or alcohol relapse:

• Avoid the people, places and activities you relate with drinking or using. In Hamilton’s case, he has relapsed twice in a bar. The take-home message for him is that he should stay out of bars.

• Consistently use aftercare services such as counseling, a 12-step program, favorite hobbies and exercise to help stabilize you on a daily basis.

• Know emotional triggers will happen periodically. Learn to recognize what your triggers are and make a plan ahead of time about how to deal with them so you don’t revert back to drugs and alcohol.

• Surrender to the fact that you are powerless. DO NOT try to use willpower because that creates stress, which in turn bolsters cravings.

• Times of crisis are where relationships formed in 12-step programs shine. Only a fellow addict truly understands and can best help you through the maze of emotions and cravings without judgment.

When Relapse Occurs, Reach for Help Immediately

Finally, if you do relapse, take a note from Hamilton’s playbook and admit it to yourself and your loved ones right away. Relapses can happen from time to time. Don’t beat yourself up. Recognize what happened and move forward with your recovery.

If you feel you need additional assistance after a relapse, don’t wait to contact us. We can put you in touch with a wide variety of services to help you overcome addiction permanently. If you are struggling, call us today.

Josh Hamilton has come a long way in his struggle against drug and alcohol addiction, and while the Rangers are welcoming him back with open arms, they expect him to stay on track, too. To that end, he intends to have an “addiction accountability” partner with him to help him make good choices no matter how tempted he becomes. It’s not an uncommon choice for those who return home after treatment. An addiction accountability partner can be with you all the time to help you determine which situations are “safe” for your sobriety and which aren’t. The uncommon part of this story is who Hamilton’s addiction accountability partner would be – his own father-in-law.

Close Ties, Positive Accountability in Sobriety

Hamilton is close with his father-in-law. He reportedly talks to him often when stressed or in need of guidance. He was a good choice to be Hamilton’s accountability partner and will likely help him to stay on track as he returns to work. Officially hired by the Texas Rangers, he’ll be able to do the job fulltime, which will help to ensure that Hamilton does well in his recovery. It’s a situation that promises to be a positive experience for everyone.

The Role of an Addiction Accountability Partner

Also known as a “sober companion,” an accountability partner is exactly what it sounds like – someone who lives with you day and night and helps you to stay sober. This person becomes a part of your “entourage,” an honorary member of the family. They are trusted with your strengths, weaknesses, worries, and the details of your personal relationships so they can identify potential triggers and aid you in staying strong when you are in dangerous situations.

A sober companion is not something that everyone needs. But for patients who cannot avoid situations in which drugs and alcohol abound, it can be helpful to have someone there reminding them of their goals and priorities. Executives who must entertain clients, musicians who go on tour, actors who must travel to sets – anyone with a high-stress job that often involves drugs and alcohol will benefit from a sober companion.

For others, aftercare services like sober living may be more appropriate. At a sober living home, patients can have the support and structure they enjoyed in a residential rehab setting but with the freedom to begin to set down roots in the community by attending 12-step meetings, finding a job, looking for an apartment, and building a support system.

If you would like to learn more about your aftercare options or if you need a rehab that can help you through the initial stages of detox and treatment, contact us today.

When Motley Crue appeared on CNN’s Piers Morgan Tonight, the band talked about everything, including the specifics of the heroin addictions that plagued more than one member and a few eclectic choices in terms of ingestion of other substances as well. Currently, all members of the band are clean and sober – though Vince Neil continues to drink from time to time – and they’re still making music and performing. In fact, they’re scheduled to take residence at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas as of February of next year.

Heroin Addiction

Nikki Sixx famously talked about his heroin addiction in The Heroin Diaries but he talked about it again on the show. He said he first started using the drug for no deeper reason than it was just there to be had, and that: “We wanted to experience everything and I have a very addictive personality and those things don’t go together well. I had to get away from it. All that stuff makes you who you are today.”

It took more than one trip to heroin rehab for Sixx to kick the habit – and more than a few overdoses along the way, as well. Always in the spotlight, he regularly made headlines as he vacillated back and forth between active addiction and sobriety – an issue all the band members had to deal with as they struggled with their own addictions.

Other Substances

Like every rock band, Motley Crue has their fair share of stories about some of the things they’ve tried via drug and alcohol abuse. The story shared by the band on the show was an experiment with the injection of whiskey.

Said Nikki Sixx: “We thought it was a good idea. I went to sleep quickly. It only happened once.”

Tommy Lee ventured that it was a useless endeavor. He said: “There was really no reason to inject it.”

Finding Sobriety

For Nikki Sixx, he said it just happened for him one day after a number of attempts to get clean: A “light just went on and it was over. I never picked up again. It was hard. I had to go through withdrawal. I knew I didn’t want this. I loved my band. I didn’t have any family back then. I didn’t want to throw it away.”

If you or someone you care about is struggling with heroin addiction or drug abuse, help is available when you choose addiction treatment that includes psychotherapeutic and medical care. Call us now to locate the right rehab for your needs.

Seeking out the advice of those who have been through a drug addiction and successfully sought treatment is an excellent way to start making good choices in early recovery. T.I. decided to start his own personal road to recovery back in 2010 by asking for the advice of someone who had famously been through addiction and made a successful comeback: Eminem.

T.I.’s Drug History

Everyone in recovery has one – a story about how they initially tried drugs and alcohol and how that use turned into abuse and ultimately into an addiction that required treatment. For T.I., it began in March of 2010, after he was released from prison for a federal weapons charge. He underwent a number of oral surgeries that left him struggling with the pain. His doctor prescribed him narcotic painkillers to help him be more comfortable; it wasn’t long before he developed an addiction to OxyContin and hydrocodone.

When T.I. began to recognize changes in his life and personality and suspected that the drug use was the cause, he reached out to Eminem. T.I. told VIBE: “I asked him how he knew he was an addict. [He said] basically, if you put yourself in harm’s way… if you risk that, you’ve got to assume that there is something fundamentally wrong with your thought process.”

The Road to Recovery

Though T.I. attributes the advice he received from Eminem as the kick-off to his recovery, he’s had his fair share of struggles along the way. Although he is now clean and sober, T.I. returned to prison for a second time after speaking with Eminem but he has stayed the course and remains dedicated to his newfound sobriety.

Says T.I.: “It starts with you on the inside. I can give all the advice in the world, but at the end of the day you just got to make that decision internally with yourself. You have to see that you are ready to make a change. Until that moment comes, all advice in the world is going to be in vain cause I’m going to be talking to a brick wall.

“Everybody can tell you what you need to do, how to do it, when you need to do it, how bad you need to do it, but until you get that right a** whipping, as they say, and until you have hit rock bottom or have seen something in yourself that is so out of character and it displeases you so much that you just have no choice but to change it … then you ain’t going to see it.”

Get Addiction Help Today

If you or someone you care about is living with a drug or alcohol dependence, don’t wait to get the help you need. Find your inspiration within and seek out the life that you want and deserve through addiction treatment. Call us at the phone number listed above to find out how to get started.

What is it about fame that causes people to go over the edge? Excessive drinking, drug use and self-destructive behavior seem to go hand in hand with those who get even a small dose of popularity. Does fame cause it? Do famous people begin their own press and decide they don’t need to follow the same rules as everyone? Or, is fame just another drug and people need a fix?

Celebrity Deaths

Whatever the reason, celebrities self-destruct in a spectacular manner. Celebrity deaths, especially those of young stars, are very public and very fascinating. But are all the deaths of those who have burned out and died young as accidental as we have been led to believe?

It seems odd that people who lived life in the spotlight sometimes find death in the dark and in secret. And the causes of death remain suspicious and not as simple as we’ve been told.

1. Anna Nicole Smith

Former Playboy Playmate of the Year, reality star darling and oil mogul widow, Anna Nicole Smith seemed to have the world in the palm of her hands. A high school dropout, Smith used her body and brains to climb the American fame ladder. Smith rode the celebrity train to go beyond the status of Playmate. She was a successful model for Guess jeans, a spokeswoman for Trim-Spa weight loss, and an actress in several big Hollywood films. She met, married, and soon buried a multi-millionaire husband, then and fought vigorously for her share of his fortune.

Why Would She Do It?

At the time of her death she was riding high as a reality TV star and had just given birth to a daughter. Reports said she overdosed on prescription pills in her hotel suite in Hollywood, Florida. Early speculation suggested she may have killed herself because she was distraught over the recent death of her 20-year old son, Daniel. But there are still too many questions. Her personal life was working out. She had love, money, and a new baby girl. Perhaps there is a clue in the immediate struggle after Anna’s death for control of the baby and of the fortune she inherited. Many of the drugs found in her system were prescribed to her boyfriend and others, perhaps showing that they weren’t something she normally took or that she was being given them without her knowledge.

While the cause of her death is known, it still isn’t known if she ingested any or all of those drugs willingly.

2. Kurt Cobain

Officially the cause of death was suicide by a self-inflicted shotgun blast to the head. But rumors persist that it was not suicide at all. Kurt’s rise to fame was meteoric. The success of his band, Nirvana, and album, Nevermind, started the musical movement known as Grunge. Kurt was no stranger to drug problems. The battle that he and his wife, Courtney Love, had with heroin was public knowledge and well publicized. Attempts at rehab failed, and even the birth of his daughter didn’t get him to clean up. An intervention with family and friends finally convinced him to check into a rehab clinic; where he simply climbed the wall and left.

Smells Like a Cover Up

The biggest concern with Cobain’s death seems to be the amount of drugs in his system at the time of the fatal gunshot. The amount of heroin in his system wouldn’t allow anyone to operate a firearm or properly position himself to be in harm’s way. Cobain also had no gunpowder burns or residue on his hands. The accompanying note near him seemed to have an addition referring to suicide written in different handwriting.

After his death, there were scores of fans left in mourning as well as a huge increase in Nirvana album sales. His widow, Courtney Love, inherited Cobain’s valuable copyrights and soon became a bestselling musician and award-nominated actress.

3. Marilyn Monroe

Perhaps one of the most mysterious celebrity overdoses is that of film legend and sex symbol Marilyn Monroe. Monroe was the “it” girl of the 1950s. She was the star of such classics as “Some Like it Hot” and “The Seven-Year Itch”. While popular in the spotlight, Monroe never seemed to find true love. She was married and divorced three times and is rumored to have had countless love affairs with actors and politicians, both while single and married.

Was Being Blonde Her Only Bombshell?

Her death was attributed to a fatal mixture of barbiturates and alcohol resulting in “probable suicide”. While Monroe did have a prior history of talking prescription medication to help her sleep, she had no known drug or alcohol problem. There were many inconstancies about the final hours of her life and who she saw and spoke with on the phone. Was she the victim of a scorned lover? Some have suggested ties to the mafia who had interest in Monroe based on her relationship with President John Kennedy and his brother, Attorney General Robert Kennedy. Her final call on the night she died was reported to be to the White House. Some suggested that it was the relationship with the Kennedys that caused her death. Did she plan to tell about her relationship with one or more of the Kennedy brothers? Was she a threat to the President’s marriage that needed to be removed?

Despite her on-screen persona of the stereotypical dumb blonde, Monroe was known to be quite intelligent. Perhaps she knew or loved too much.

Celebrity drug addict news floods the media, and there have been entire shows dedicated to the topic of Hollywood’s darlings’ drug use. But what about politicians? Election time usually sparks more revelations about people in politics, and while some politicians have been open when questioned about previous drug use, other’s pasts have gone under the radar. Many accusations or assumptions have not been confirmed nor denied. Here’s a breakdown of what we really know.

Presidents

Barack Obama has been one of the most straightforward politicians about admitting he’d used drugs in his youth. In his book Dreams From My Father, he mentions using marijuana and cocaine while he was in high school. Granted, this book was out before he ran for president, but when questioned about it, he confirmed the information.

George W. Bush’s past drinking problems aren’t a secret; former First Lady Laura Bush even spoke about it on Oprah. However, when the former president has been asked about drug use, his answers have been vaguer. He made a comment to the media about how he could have passed an FBI background check even when his father was in office, which his campaign later clarified meant he’d been drug-free ever since he was 28. When asked directly if he’d used drugs before then, he typically answered something that included, “I made mistakes.”

Bill Clinton admitted to trying marijuana but without breaking U.S. law. He was in England when he tried it and has been teased for having said he didn’t inhale the marijuana when he experimented with it.

Senators/Governors

John Kerry, Howard Dean, and John Edwards admitted during a 2003 Democratic presidential debate that they used pot in the past in response to the question, “Which of you are willing to admit you’ve used marijuana in the past?” The question was emailed in toward the end of the forum, and while Dean said at first that the question was probably going to go unanswered, he ended up admitted to the use.

David Paterson, the former governor of New York, admitted that he smoked marijuana when he was younger and used cocaine when he was in his early 20s. He pointed out that he hasn’t smoked marijuana since the 1970s and already admitted to his use in his youth when speaking to a TV journalist in 2006, but because he was running for lieutenant governor at the time, the revelation didn’t get as much attention as it did in 2008.

Sarah Palin, like Bill Clinton, tried marijuana in a way that didn’t break U.S. law — pot was legal in Alaska when she tried it. Palin said she didn’t enjoy smoking pot and doesn’t do it anymore. A recently released biography about Sarah Palin written by Joe McGinniss alleges that the Palins have used cocaine in the past, but the book is lacking in many sources. Todd Palin accused the book of being full of “disgusting lies.”

Conclusion

It could very well be the case that many accusations are unfounded and based solely on the intention of trying to ruin certain politicians’ reputation. It could also be the case that politicians are struggling to keep their pasts a secret. In some cases, we might never know the truth, and many people debate if this information is even important enough to be such.

At a recent charity supporting drug addiction awareness, prevention, education and treatment, a number of celebrities turned up to show their support at the New York City fundraiser. Among those in attendance were Russell Simmons, hip hop mogul; Eliza Dushku, actress; Melissa George, actress; and Michael Kenneth Williams, actor.

Simmons was actually a host at the event, along with reality TV star Kelly Bensimon. He said: “I’m a big fan of the work they do and I come every year… I’m happy to support them.”

Speaking about his personal experience with drug addiction and recovery was John F. Kennedy’s nephew, Christopher Kennedy Lawford.

Celebrity Support of Drug Addiction Treatment and Related Issues

Why does it matter if celebrities attend drug addiction awareness events and fundraisers? The attention drawn to important causes by big names and those who are already in the spotlight can go a long way toward securing donations, funding and awareness of key issues. It is also a positive way to be a role model for young people who may recognize these celebrities from their work in the music industry or film and respect their opinion on the subject.

The Role of Nonprofits in the Fight Against Addiction

Raising money for nonprofits focused on helping patients get the care they need to fight addiction is a hugely important endeavor. Rehab is expensive and many postpone looking at their options because they believe that they don’t have the money to pay for treatment. Many nonprofits raise money in order to provide scholarships or to pay people who can offer referrals to low-cost or no-cost addiction treatment services or to financing options so that patients can find the funding to pay for the best, most comprehensive care available.

Covering the Cost of Drug Rehab

No one should be barred from drug addiction treatment due to a lack of money. There are a number of different resources available to help patients and their families pay for the cost of care. Health insurance is an option, if you have it, as are scholarships – both full and partial – through different nonprofit and state-run organizations. But for many, the most productive and quick option is to apply for financing, securing the full cost of treatment within a few days and creating a personalized repayment plan. If you feel that you cannot afford drug addiction treatment, contact us today to discuss your options for coverage and financing. Our counselors are standing by at the phone number listed above.

Sadly, it has been years since Lindsay Lohan has been in the news for something positive relating to her career as an actress in Hollywood. The recent past has been a string of drug-related courtroom hearings, probation violations and arrests, but all the times she has seen inside of a courtroom have ended with a judicial slap on the wrist. However, her luck has finally run out as Judge Stephanie Sautner has sentenced Lohan to 30 days in the county jail.

If Lohan Doesn’t Change Her Ways, Sentence Will Increase Nearly Ten-Fold

In the past, her lawyer was able to swing house arrest rather than time in the county jail, but Lohan has consistently and admittedly violated her probation for drug-related charges. This most recent infringement involved Lohan losing the privilege to complete her court-ordered community service at a women’s shelter after failing to report for duty nine times.

Judge Sautner was frustrated she was not made aware of the change in Lohan’s probation and has ordered a newly appointed probation officer to the case who is to immediately alert the court of any infractions. In addiction, Lohan after serving her 30-day sentence must complete all community service, partake in psychological counseling and report to court once a month through March. If Lohan fails to comply with any of these orders, she will be facing another 270 days of jail time.

Lindsay Lohan Will Likely Not Spend One Night in Jail

Lohan will not go to jail until November 7^th so she can fulfill her contract with Playboy to finish a six-figure nude photo shoot. Nevertheless, some in the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department are saying Lohan will very likely be in and out of jail within the same day. In fact, she may not even see the inside of a jail cell. Judge Sautner had said the only way any time could be taken off Lohan’s sentence was if the law demanded it.

The concept that a law would be in direct opposition to a judge’s court decision is bizarre, but according to Southern California law enforcement officers, there is a court order on the books for overcrowding. Under this federal mandate, inmates with misdemeanor sentences fewer than 90 days are generally processed and released almost immediately.

Some will be upset if Lohan doesn’t see jail time and will claim she is receiving special treatment. However, if Lohan doesn’t spend a night behind bars it’s because our prison system doesn’t have the money to afford it, not because of celebrity status. What do you think about people with low-level sentences for drug and alcohol offenses not serving any time? We would like to hear your opinions below.

Following a long line of Saturday Night Live (SNL) comedians to come clean about their past drug use, Darrell Hammond speaks extremely candidly about a substance abuse problem that culminated with a crack addiction in his new book, God, If You’re Not Up There, I’m F***ed. The autobiography goes into shocking and graphic detail about the trials he has faced in his life that stem from his terrifying childhood. Stepping out of the shadows of former SNL super stars such as Jim Belushi, Phil Hartman and Chris Farley, whose addictions and mental anguish led to their deaths, Hammond somehow found his way out of the darkness and into sobriety.

Remarkably, despite all his personal issues, the 56-year-old comedian holds the title of the longest running cast member on SNL with 14 years and 270 performances under his belt. Hammond was a man of a million faces during his time on the show with dead-on impersonations of famous personalities such as Bill Clinton, Donald Trump and Sean Connery.

Running From an Abusive Childhood Led Hammond to Substance Abuse

Hammond describes appalling abuses as a boy suffered at the hands of his mother. He claims he was regularly on the receiving end of methodical and prolonged violence that goes far beyond being hit. In fact, Hammond frighteningly reports being habitually beaten, stabbed and shocked as a child. He explains his experiences as a boy have led to deep psychological wounds. Hammond started drinking alcohol to avoid the horrifying childhood images that he could not erase from his memory.

Hammond’s Alcohol Abuse Snowballed to Harder Substances

In early adulthood, when alcohol was not enough to fully quiet his demons, Hammond would cut himself. After landing on SNL, his fame grew and so did the number of drugs Hammond was juggling. He always had a bottle of Remy Martin in his desk at SNL, and then he added cocaine and Vicodin to the menu of drugs he used to forget his trauma. In his last season of SNL, he tried crack for the first time. Hammond hit rock bottom hanging out in crack dens in Harlem. At one point, everything got so out of control he was taken out of NBC studios in a straight jacket.

Hammond credits his SNL cast mates and producer Lorne Michaels with “going above and beyond the call for me.” There is an unwritten rule at SNL that as long as your work is not suffering your personal issues will not be held against you. Luckily, Hammond is now living a sober life and hopefully he has overcome the cliché of the sad clown that has led to the early demise of too many of his SNL predecessors.

Do you think SNL should have continued to let Hammond work if he was not sober? How do you think this affected his sobriety? All thoughts and opinions welcome below.

Kim Delaney, 49, who is probably best known for her role as Detective Diane Russell on NYPD Blue, for which she won an Emmy for Best Supporting Actress, is possibly in the midst of a highly public struggle with substance abuse. The actress currently on the Lifetime series Army Wives was in her hometown of Philadelphia where she was slated to give a speech in honor of former defense secretary Robert Gates.

Delaney was on stage at the National Constitution Center when it quickly became apparent that something was not quite right as she staggered to the podium. She stood in front of the crowd, not with the pose of an accomplished actress, but with the lack of confidence usually seen in a gawky adolescent.

As Delaney’s speech unfolded, the audience sat in a stunned awkward silence unable to turn away from the uncomfortable scene playing out in front of them. Delaney’s thoughts meandered and at times were totally incoherent. It appeared she was describing her own life of military service as she accounted all of the issues families of service men and women face, going as far as saying, “I’ve attended numerous military funerals, including that of my best friend’s son.”

After a few minutes of speaking, Delaney did finally make an attempt to clarify for everyone she was speaking about the character she plays on TV. Unfortunately, the speech had become so erratic that those working behind the scenes decided the best option was to escort her from the stage early.

Official Explanation of Delaney’s Behavior is Unclear

Delaney’s reps were slow to reply to inquiries about the incident. However, the CBS affiliate in Philadelphia did offer one potentially feasible explanation for her behavior. They reported that last-minute technical difficulties forced Delaney to try to give her speech from memory rather than using the teleprompter as planned.

This could cause even the most seasoned public speaker to lose their cool. Nevertheless, if this were the official story, you’d think Delaney or her reps might have made a statement with this explanation rather than allowing the rumors to fly.

All Eyes Look to Delaney’s History of Substance Abuse

In the absence of a solid official story, people turn to Delaney’s past drug abuse problems. She was arrested nearly 10 years ago in Malibu for refusing a Breathalyzer test and in court pleaded no contest to the drunk driving charges. Following this incident, she lost custody of her son due to problem drinking and did two stints in rehab for alcohol abuse.

What do you think about the situation? Do you think Kim Delaney’s fractured speech was due to a last-minute loss of her teleprompter, signs of problem drinking, both or neither? You are welcome to leave any comments you may have below.

To be fair, Charlie Sheen has been saying for the past few months that he’s a drug-free man, even claiming that he cured himself of drug and alcohol dependence with his willpower and brainpower alone. He produced multiple pages of clean drug tests to prove it – that is to say, he tossed a bunch of printouts in the air while doing a few different TV interviews while saying that they were proof that he had passed a number of drug tests.

But now, in a recent interview with Us Weekly, he said that he was “absolutely” sober and while he didn’t say how long it had been since the last time he got drunk or high, he said: “I don’t really keep track of the time. It’s been awhile.”

It hasn’t been long since his media blitz that included everything from TV rants to radio rants to one-on-one interviews where he famously went on and on about “winning,” his perspective on losing his job playing Charlie on Two and a Half Men, his issues with ex-wives, the “goddesses” he lived with, and his feelings about all the “trolls” who didn’t support him in his quest to get rehired to his old sitcom – with a raise.

Sheen, who turned 46 on September 3, just starred in a roast for Comedy Central, and has a new series coming out after several months of media quiet, seems a little bit more in control of himself than the last time he was in the public eye. He describes his current state of mind as “ a lot calmer. It’s a lot mellower.”

When asked to share his view of his choices over the past year, he said: “I don’t really know what happened. It was one of those things where the planets were aligned, perfectly or imperfectly. I said some stuff and then it caught such traction globally and instantly that I couldn’t really put out the fire. From one moment to the next, I didn’t know what was going to happen. It was pretty exciting.”

Though he doesn’t regret anything about his behavior or the responses of the public to what he had to say, he might alter a thing or two: “Looking back on it, I don’t think I would trade it, but there are portions of it I would have amended a little bit. I don’t know, the tiger blood [thing], it was so silly and people took it so seriously and I figured, alright, I’ll continue to give the people what they want, you know?”

His focus now? On his children and rebuilding positive relationships with the mothers of those children as well as enjoying the little, quiet moments in life – sounds like good advice for everyone in recovery.

Having an addition can really negatively affect someone’s life, and celebrities are no exception. It can impact your career, your relationships, and your daily life, and for the rich and famous, these influences are documented by the media. Here are some of the most recent and most notable losses celebrities have faced because of their addictions.

Celebrity: Lindsay Lohan

Addiction: Alcohol and drugs

What was lost: Her innocence

The girl who started as a lovable child star and even a respectable teenage actress is now known for her crazy partying and drug use.  Lohan was quoted as saying, “It is clear to me that my life has become completely unmanageable because I am addicted to alcohol and drugs.”

She’s been in an out of rehab, but there’s one instance that highlights her problems:  after checking into rehab for 45 days, she was arrested on suspicion of DUI and possession of cocaine a little over a week after checking out. Nowadays, people watch “Parent Trap” with nostalgia as Lohan’s suddenly lost all of her innocent charm.

Celebrity: Charlie Sheen

Addiction: Alcohol and drugs

What was lost: His TV show

Charlie Sheen has been most recently popular for his starring role in the award-winning comedy Two and a Half Men. He’s had a history with addictions, and he checked himself into rehab in January of 2011 after a night of excessive partying that left him with severe abdominal pains.

However, he got fired from his show a few months later due to his behavior during many bizarre interviews. Some of his quotes include that he was “bangin’ 7-gram rocks and finishing them because that’s how I roll.” While we don’t know if his addictions are returning, his antics definitely generated a lot of suspicion, a lot of viral content, and a lot of backlash: he lost his show and his longtime manager.

Celebrity: Mel Gibson

Addiction: Alcohol

What was lost: His reputation

Mel Gibson, who was a well-admired actor starring in many movies like Braveheart and The Patriot, caused a general loss of respect from the general public a couple of years ago. After being pulled over for going 87 mph in a 45 mph zone, he started shouting anti-Semitic remarks at the officer, who is Jewish.

After news broke out about the tirade, Gibson’s career began to decline and started struggling with his use of alcohol and his resulting personal issues. He’s been in and out of rehab for his issues.

Celebrity: Whitney Houston

Addiction: Alcohol and drugs

What was lost: Her career

Whitney Houston was nothing short of a star — she won dozens of industry awards and was greatly admired by the general public for her singing talent. But rising rumors about drug use with her husband and several accounts of strange behavior (missing shows, acting unusual, etc.) led people to believe she was abusing illegal substances.

She’s checked into rehab in 2004, 2005, and most recently in May 2011 for alcohol abuse. Her career halted because of her addictions. In 2009, she told Oprah, “I had so much money and so much access to what I wanted. I didn’t think about the singing part anymore.” Her career never picked up the same momentum again.

Celebrity: Amy Winehouse

Addiction: Alcohol and drugs

What was lost: (Possibly) her life

Amy struggled with many addictions throughout her life, which led her to cancel concerts, go to rehab, and be hospitalized. It’s unclear how many times she actually checked into rehab, but it appears that she didn’t remain sober for a very long period of time.

Despite this, there were no illegal substances found in her body at the time of her death, according to Winehouse’s family. The cause of her death is still inconclusive, but there were apparently traces of alcohol in her system when she died. Some people theorize that her lifestyle could have indirectly contributed to her death, while others think alcohol withdrawal may have done it. Either way, we won’t know until October when more reports are released.

Conclusion

Alcohol and drug addictions aren’t rare in the media, nor are the losses suffered when addictions aren’t addressed. Everyday people and celebrities alike experience a lot of pain because of their drug and alcohol abuse, and while people’s losses may fall under the radar, we should learn from the coverage of celebrity loss and help those in our own lives make positive, lifelong changes.

In the never-ending inquiry into Michael Jackson’s death due to drug overdose in 2009, it appears that those close to the pop star may be called to the stand to testify. The goal? The defense lawyers for Dr. Conrad Murray want those in Jackson’s inner circle to supply evidence that supports the notion that Jackson was a drug addict.

The trial for Dr. Murray began on September 11 and focuses on the part he played in Michael Jackson’s death. Was he responsible only for giving Jackson the medication that ultimately killed him the night of his death? Or did he play a part in the development and maintenance of the singer’s ongoing dependence upon multiple drugs?  The defense team for Dr. Murray hopes to show that Jackson was a drug addict and, as such, was responsible for his own intake of illicit substances, including the ones that ultimately killed him. Their hope is that proving this fact will minimize Dr. Murray’s responsibility for Jackson’s death and decrease if not wipe out his sentence.

One of those who will be called to the stand according to papers filed with the court is the nanny that Jackson employed for his three children. According to court filings, Grace Rwaramba told investigators that she had attempted to stage interventions for Jackson due to his drug use on multiple occasions. She also said that she once received a phone call from Jackson’s children when their father passed out while caring for them. The paperwork went on to say that Rwaramba was fired from her nanny position two months before Jackson overdosed because she too often complained about Jackson’s drug abuse.

Others who are expected to testify include those who the Murray’s defense team characterizes as confidants, close friends and medical providers for Jackson.

Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009, when he overdosed on propofol and had a cardiac arrest in his Holmby Hills home in Los Angeles, California. It was Dr. Conrad Murray, his personal doctor, who found him in his room not breathing. Murray reported giving Jackson CPR but without success, then calling 911. Paramedics came and attempted treatment, transporting him to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

About a month later, Jackson’s death was declared a homicide by the County Coroner’s office. Jackson had apparently been given lorazepam and midazolam, two benzodiazepines, in addition to propofol. It wasn’t long before Dr. Murray was implicated in Jackson’s death, and on February 8, 2010, Murray pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter. His trial is ongoing.

The son of late actress Farrah Fawcett and actor Ryan O’Neal, Redmond O’Neal made headlines recently when he was again arrested for heroin possession and for violating his probation. Far from the first time, this is one in a long string of heroin-related incidents in O’Neal’s life.

O’Neal was pulled over in Santa Monica, California by police officers who said he ran a red light. The Los Angeles Times reported that the officers found heroin in O’Neal’s car when they performed a search. O’Neal was arrested and taken to a jail near LA and was not granted bail.

O’Neal was then charged with felony possession of heroin and possession of a firearm. He pled no contest to the charge but was ultimately sentenced to one year of residential heroin rehab and five years probation.

Richard Pintal was O’Neal’s lawyer. He said: “Redmond is grateful for the opportunity to receive additional intensive treatment.”

O’Neal’s Battle With Heroin Addiction

Given the constant reports of celebrity drug addiction, it seems that being surrounded by his famous acting family didn’t do a whole lot to help O’Neal avoid the pitfalls of drug addiction. In fact, his family may actually have been complicit. O’Neal was famously arrested with his actor father, Ryan, when the two were found in possession of methamphetamines in 2008. Both were ordered to enter into rehab programs at that time, in addition to an earlier heroin addiction treatment program that O’Neal entered in 2004.

For years, O’Neal has struggled with substance abuse issues, arrests and jail time. His probationary status at the time of this most recent arrest was due to an arrest in 2009 for heroin possession. He was famously released to be allowed to visit his ailing mother, Farrah Fawcett, and then again to attend her funeral in June of 2009.

Will This Trip to Rehab Be Different?

For those struggling with a long-term heroin addiction and repeat trips to drug rehab, it’s a question that gets asked each time. How can I make this rehab program different? How can I stay clean and sober this time around so I don’t have to go back?

There is no cure for heroin addiction, so there is no guarantee that those who go to treatment will never relapse and end up living with an active addiction again. The number of trips to drug rehab and when they lead to long-term stints of sobriety and when they don’t will vary based on the patient in question, environmental factors, outside stressors and more.

If you are interested in finding a heroin rehab that can address your needs, contact us today. We can match you with an addiction treatment program that will be able to help you on your personal journey to healing. Call now.

Steve Tyler, front man for the band Aerosmith and judge on American Idol, recently did a few interviews to promote his new memoir, and in those interviews, he gives fans a few of the salacious stories they’ll be able to expect from his tell-all autobiography. One such detail is that Tyler says he spent more than $20 million on drugs during his active addiction.

Another interesting tidbit – Tyler says he was so desperate to get and stay high during his drug addiction that he went so far as to hide cocaine in a drum on stage so he could more easily access the drug even during performances.

There are few drugs that Tyler didn’t abuse regularly or addictively during his lifetime, but his most recent trip to rehab was for painkiller addiction treatment. That was in 2009 and he says that it was his eighth trip to rehab. Because drug addiction is a chronic disease for which there is no cure, there are no guarantees, but from the looks of things, Tyler is staying on track the best he can and remaining dedicated to his recovery this time. Currently clean and sober, he was a fan favorite as an American Idol judge this past season, charming viewers with performances and his supportive comments to would-be pop stars.

Tyler’s not afraid to get into the details of his dark times, and it’s his raw honesty that keeps fans interested – both in his music, his television performances and in his new book. He told People.com: “I kept my medicine cabinet on stage, in a 14-inch drum head, the bottom of which contained… one Dixie cup (paper cup) with a straw and blow (cocaine) in it and the other with Coca-Cola and Jack Daniels in it. Left to my own devices I probably would have been dead several times over.”

The money he spent on drugs during his career is more than the average American would make in 10 lifetimes. Says Tyler, “I blew 20 million. I snorted my Porsche, I snorted my plane, I snorted my house in that din of drugs and booze and being lost.”

If you are struggling with cocaine addiction, painkiller addiction, heroin addiction or an addiction to alcohol, help is available at drug rehab. Contact us today to learn more about the drug rehabilitation programs available to you. Let us help match you with the addiction treatment help you need.

It’s not the first time this year, but hopefully it will be the last — “Golden Voice” Ted Williams is apparently returning to drug rehab. As is often the case when celebrities opt for drug treatment, the official word is not necessarily that he is struggling with drug addiction issues but that he has a few “emotional” issues to work out and feels that drug rehab is the most appropriate place to do that.

Al Battle is Williams’ manager. He says, “All of the shooting for his reality show has taken a serious toll on him. This is not a trip back to rehab because of a drug or alcohol relapse. It’s all emotional. Ted is exhausted. He just needed to get back to his psychologists.”

The reality show Battle mentioned is one of just many new opportunities and experiences that came Williams’ way when a reporter videotaped the then-homeless Williams on the street exhibiting his well-trained radio voice. That video went viral and before Williams knew it, he was being offered gigs across the country and began shooting his own reality show. Unfortunately, a 90-day stint in rehab months ago and now his latest trip to a treatment center may keep him from completing the first season of his show for a little while longer. Shot in Brooklyn and Ohio, there are already talks of a second season despite the fact that Williams has yet to complete shooting the first season.

The trick to doing well in an addiction treatment program is to stay in that program. In January, Williams went to the same treatment center he’s attending now but left early. Though it was reported that that trip was to treat an alcohol addiction and this one is not, it’s highly likely that leaving early in January meant that he didn’t get the help he needed to effectively deal with his addiction issues, thus the current stay in rehab. If he stays for the full length of the program and is an active participant, speaking up during therapy and opting for any voluntary treatments, then he has a real shot at long-term sobriety when he leaves.

Celebrity can be stressful and it’s not easy to be thrust in the limelight when you already have a hard time handling the details of life. Here’s hoping that drug rehab is exactly what Williams needs to get back on track and take advantage of all his opportunities.

Jenelle Evans is one of the more colorful characters on Teen Mom 2, and her latest trip to drug rehab will likely surprise few fans of the show. What may surprise viewers is the young teen mom’s reasoning for attending drug addiction treatment. It’s not that she requires the medical detox and psychological addiction treatment that most drug rehabs provide but that she needs to take a break from the rigors of her life and believes that drug rehab is the appropriate venue to achieve that goal.

One source told Us Weekly: “She is clean right now and has been that way for several weeks. She’s doing this program to help her cope with all the stress in her life: her family situation, her legal issues, her general anxiety.”

It’s not entirely a bad idea. Many find rest and relaxation as well as escape from stressors in life when they take vacations – but they often also find a host of bad behaviors including drug abuse. It’s not uncommon for those on vacation to relapse with the excuse that it’s “just once” or that the behavior is permissible because it’s vacation. Jenelle’s choice to find her escape at a drug addiction treatment center, given her recent arrest for possession of drug paraphernalia, her history of drug abuse, her assault charge earlier in the year and her arrest for allegedly breaking into an abandoned home to smoke marijuana is an exceptionally positive one. Not only will she get the distance and space she needs from her legal problems and family issues, but she’ll also get even more treatment and attention for her drug abuse issues and likely will learn some new tools to deal with these stressful issues effectively when she returns home. At only 19 years old, the young reality star has already gone through quite a bit in her life and will benefit from taking some time to get a little extra treatment to reinforce her sobriety and recovery.

No one knows how long she intends to remain in treatment, but research shows that the longer she spends at drug rehab and the more active she is in participating in their activities, treatments and therapies, the more likely she will be to benefit in the long run. If you think drug addiction treatment is a good idea for you or someone you love, contact us today at the number above. We can help you locate a drug addiction treatment program that can provide you with the help that you need to create positive change in your life. Call now.

Chace Crawford, one of the ensemble cast of Gossip Girl, was charged in June of last year with marijuana possession. Rather than deal with a trial and possible sentencing, Crawford has agreed to a pre-trial diversion program. If he can stay on the straight and narrow and break no laws for the next year, he may be able to expunge his record without any further hassle. He’ll also need to perform 24 hours worth of community service and check in with his probation officer monthly.

The Influence of Family on Marijuana Addiction and Treatment

It may have been Crawford’s family’s influence that pushed him to make a deal rather than fight the charge. According to some reports, “his mom called him crying. He comes from a very good family, and his parents were so upset that his mug shot was everywhere.”

In so many cases, it’s the influence of the family that makes the real difference in helping patients recognize that they have a problem and then take the necessary steps to get into an effective drug rehab program. Parents, siblings, children and extended family often feel hopeless when a loved one continues to live with marijuana addiction, alcoholism or addiction to other drugs year after year. They don’t see how their concern can often be the saving grace for their addicted love one. Sometimes it takes having a formal conversation or cutting ties with a family member living with drug addiction to make it clear that it’s time to get treatment. Not all patients recognize how quickly they have gone downhill and only their family is able to communicate that fact to them effectively. In Crawford’s case, it may have helped him to make the commitment to live well and make positive choices for the next year.

Dealing with the Consequences of Marijuana Addiction

No matter how or why Crawford came to the decision he did and opted for a deal, he made a smart choice. Taking advantage of programs that provide second chances or rehabilitation and treatment are a great way to turn a negative situation into a positive lifestyle transformation. Legal issues are never easy to deal with and can be extremely stressful, but when they result in drug rehab or programs that require sobriety, addiction treatment can mean a whole new life without drug and alcohol dependence – and there’s nothing better than that.

Contact us today to find a marijuana rehab or drug addiction treatment facility that can help you fight your addiction to drugs and alcohol. Call now.

Jose Antonio Medina Arreguin was called the “King of Heroin” by the Mexican media – AKA Don Pepe – because he was taking home as much as $260,000 a week in California drug sales alone. But now the King of Heroin has not only been arrested for his crimes, but he has stood in front of the court and pled guilty to conspiring to sell narcotics.

This is a 180-degree change from the story he gave the media when he was first arrested six months ago. Back then, he said he was a poor lemon farmer who had few cows and sold tortillas. He also said at that time that he was tortured by the Mexican Federal Police and forced into making a false confession – no evidence of this was turned up during an investigation.

Arreguin is looking at up to 24 years in prison, according to prosecutor David Russell. When Arreguin was arrested in 2010, he was leading a multi-million dollar drug smuggling ring that moved about 440 pounds of heroin from Los Angeles to San Jose and points in between every month.

When Arreguin was arrested last year, investigators said the 36-year-old resident of Apatzingan, Michoacan, Mexico, was the leader of an elaborate, multimillion-dollar smuggling operation that once moved an estimated 440 pounds of heroin a month into Oxnard, Downey, Los Angeles, Long Beach and San Jose.

Additionally, the money that Arreguin got from the drug trafficking was transported illegally out of the United States and into Mexico.

How was the King of Heroin dethroned? A long-term investigation was finally pinned down when prosecutors caught Arreguin discussing the drug transactions on the phone via wiretaps.

Arreguin was extradited from Mexico and booked into Ventura County jail where he awaits sentencing.

A Limit to the Graciousness of the Judiciary System When International Drug Trade Is Concerned

What about Prop 36, you might ask, the legislation that provides for drug treatment instead of incarceration? This option doesn’t apply to drug trafficking or any conspiring to sell charges. With such a large amount of drugs on the line, California will likely push for the maximum sentence – especially given the wide publicity the supposed King has received on both sides of the border. Arreguin’s case will likely serve as a statement to others who might consider following in his footsteps or stepping in to fill the gap his arrest has left.

Drug Rehab Instead of Prison

There have been plenty of people who felt forced to sell drugs in order to pay for their own habit. Many of them end up in front of a judge as a result. If you are concerned that this is where your path is leading you, choose drug rehab on your own. Call now to find the drug addiction treatment facility that will best serve you.

Michaele Salahi was originally slated to take part in this season of VH1’s Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew, but it turns out that Salahi is missing a defining criteria: she’s not living with drug or alcohol addiction of any kind. So she’s been politely shown the door, a fact confirmed by VH1.

That’s okay. She’s got another job, anyway. She’s still a featured housewife on the reality show Real Housewives of DC, and due to her and her husband’s infamous White House party “crashing,” she’s getting plenty of attention.

But don’t worry. There are plenty of other celebs to capture your interest this season: Michael Lohan, actress Bai Ling, Amy Fisher (of Long Island Lolita fame) and Baywatch actor Jeremy Jackson among them.

Why Would Someone Fake an Addiction?

While it’s not a foreign concept that someone might go to an extreme in order to get on television, it seems unlikely that someone who prides themselves on being chic and fashionable would want to claim an addiction if they didn’t have one. Apparently, shame is not an issue, as long as there’s drama and the cameras are rolling.

But it brings up a question that is often debated about Celebrity Rehab: is it a benefit to society in any way or is it purely an exhibitionist show with no redemptive value that does nothing more than showcase the problems of has-beens and B through D list celebrities who crave the spotlight?

The Benefits of Celebrity Rehab

It’s not quality television, but it tries to be. The intent of the show is to demonstrate that the tabloid glorification of celebrity drug addiction is completely false. It’s not an easy or simple process and it’s not a quick and easy fix for overindulging in drugs and alcohol. Drug addiction treatment is difficult for everyone, even those who seem to have it all, and Celebrity Rehab seeks to show that in detail. The idea  is to encourage viewers who have drug and alcohol addictions to see a bit of themselves in the drug treatment process of these celebs and learn that help is available.

The Problem with Celebrity Rehab

Many say that the show exploits the celebrities on the program while others say that the celebrities exploit the program for another shot at fame. Though there hasn’t yet been a participant on Celebrity Rehab to truly make a “comeback” in their career of choice after a successful rehab stay, they enjoy quite a bit of “heat” from the time that their participation is announced through the airing of the show. Others also say that there is no benefit from the show because all the participants are consummate performers who will do or say whatever it takes to get more camera time.

What do you think? Is there any benefit provided by Celebrity Rehab or is it an exploitative waste of time?

On every major news network, tabloid show and radio call-in show, Charlie Sheen has worked hard to make sure that you know what’s going on in his life. He got fired. He’s mad about it. He lives with “goddesses.” He thinks he has “tiger blood” coursing through his veins. He thinks he’s a rock star. And he would like a raise.

One of the biggest revelation that lies beneath it all is this one — he had a drug addiction issue; he cured it. Forget AA; Charlie Sheen cured himself at home in a program he refers to (jokingly?) as “Sober Valley Lodge.”

Shunning the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and the “five-percent success rate” that he quoted for them, Sheen calls their teachings “fiction” and the Big Book “a silly book written by a broken-down fool who is a plagiarist.” He simply willed himself to be cured of drug addiction and “made it so” with the power of his mind.

Awesome.

Unfortunately, not one addiction treatment specialist has come forward to support anything that Sheen has said. In fact, many point to his actions and statements – as well as their results and his continued behavior in response – and describe them as symptoms of mania. His high energy, fast thoughts and speech, narcissism and god-complex are all common among those experiencing manic episodes. Is it possible to be manic and cured of drug addiction? Sure. Is Charlie Sheen one of those people? Probably not.

Dr. Harris Stratyner, Ph.D., is an addiction psychologist. He has never treated Sheen, but his opinion is that: “Charlie Sheen could be doing a lot of harm by making statements about curing his own addiction. That is just not possible and sends a dangerous message to other addicts and their families. He’s also not communicating that addiction is a family disease, and that’s also dangerous because the whole family is impacted and needs treatment.”

Sheen’s family is certainly impacted by his issues, be they with mania, drug addiction, sex addiction or all three. His twins were removed from his home by a court ordered requested by his ex-wife after he introduced two young women on camera, women who live with him and spend time with his children regularly – both of whom work in the sex industry. His claims of being a “rock star from Mars” and having “Adonis DNA” likely didn’t help his case much, either. He went on air after they were removed from his home by police to say that he, at the time of that taping, did not know where his children were.

The consequence of losing his children on top of losing his job did nothing to slow his manic streak. Nor did it convince him to enter into a true drug rehab program. If nothing else, Sheen’s behavior can serve as a warning to those who would continue living with their addictions without getting treatment. Even if 12-step programs are not your thing, there are other programs that can help you get your life back. Contact us today to learn more about your options.

Ashlee Simpson, singer and little sister to Jessica Simpson, was married to Pete Wentz for just over two years when the couple called it quits. Why did the two walk away from the marriage? A source told TMZ.com that Wentz didn’t want the divorce but that Simpson was fed up with his “erratic behavior.” Showbiz Spy says that Wentz is a “functioning drug addict” and that Simpson was over it.

Though fans were shocked by the news that Simpson and Wentz were letting go of the relationship, some who were close to the couple were not so surprised. One source says: “Ashlee realized that Pete had become a functioning addict and that he wasn’t making any effort to quit,” and another said that, “He’d been taking the sleeping pill Ambien, the sedative Xanax and painkiller OxyContin and Ashlee had concerns about Pete’s behavior around their son, Bronx. When Pete drinks and takes pills, he goes wild. Ashlee doesn’t trust him to be faithful.”

Drug Addiction and Relationships

It can definitely be a deal breaker in a relationship when one half of the couple begins using drugs and alcohol addictively while the other half does not. Many young couples who get high and drunk together while dating often find that substance abuse gets in the way of a maturing relationship. Too often, one or both descends into addiction, leaving the relationship in shambles.

Young parents are especially quick to pull the plug on a relationship due to drug addiction when children are involved. Prioritizing the child’s best interest often allows the non-addicted member of the couple to more easily avoid a codependent relationship that will serve no one in the long run.

Can a Relationship Survive Drug Addiction?

Yes, relationships can survive drug addiction, theoretically. Do most relationships last when one member develops an addiction to drugs and alcohol? No. It’s hard enough to maintain a marriage when one party isn’t under the influence of substances that cause him or her to be more likely to lie, steal and cheat. Trust is difficult to rebuild after months or years of one person being treated poorly by the other. Guilt, hurt feelings, resentment, anger – all these emotions build so high that it’s rarely overcome.

What’s the Best Options for Relationships Plagued by Drug Addiction?

There is no option for the relationship if the addicted party does not get treatment. Drug rehab is the first step to saving the relationship, and there’s still no guarantee that the non-addicted member will be willing to work things out when the addicted individual is ready. However, couples therapy and family therapy can play a big part in mending the rifts that develop as a result of addiction. Begun during the drug rehab process and continued in earnest after the addiction treatment program has been successfully completed, couples can talk about the past and all the emotions surrounding what happened during addiction in a safe environment, learn how to communicate effectively and create a plan for their future.

If you would like to find a drug rehab program for yourself or your spouse, contact us at the phone number above. We can assist you in finding an addiction treatment program that will provide you with the family therapy and couples counseling you need to get your relationship back on track.

According to a press release on PRWEB, “Michael Lohan [is] alarmed with our nation’s growing rate of adolescent drug use and the subsequent tragedies occurring as a result of teen drug abuse. Michael Lohan [is] fulfilling [his] mission to speak about the dangers of teenage substance abuse and reach out to parents who are desperately seeking direction on how to approach this current trend of teen prescription drug addiction and risky teen behaviors.”

Wow. With the recent announcement that Michael Lohan would be one of the “celebrity” cast members on Season 5 of Celebrity Rehab, this seems a little… off. He’s already made quite a few comments to the press expressing his concern for his daughter, actress Lindsay Lohan, and in light of the current revelations that he needs drug and alcohol rehab himself, it’s no wonder that she responded negatively.

Lohan’s move to speak publicly to teens about drug addiction may or may not be a ploy to put himself in the media spotlight and highlight his connection to Lindsay indirectly, but the result could be very positive indeed for the teens he talks to. Anyone remotely connected to a young adult starlet will at the very least have the attention of the teenagers in the audience. As long as the message is a positive one – and it appears that it was – then that can’t be a bad thing.

Teen Drug Addiction: What’s Happening Now

The rates of teen drug abuse, in general, have always been relatively high in the United States. Over the past decade, however, the number of teens seeking treatment at a drug rehab center has increased exponentially. The good news is that more kids who need it are getting the help they require to avoid a lifetime of drug abuse and addiction. The bad news is that teens are still experimenting with marijuana, alcohol, prescription drugs and even heroin and crystal meth in large numbers.

Parenting a Teen Away from Drug Addiction: Be the Example

For parents who have a drug addiction problem, it can be difficult to hide it from kids, especially older teenagers. You won’t have a lot of luck convincing them that they shouldn’t do drugs when they know that you do it. Even parents who binge drink occasionally should be concerned about the impression their behavior is giving their kids about drug and alcohol abuse. It’s hard to tell someone not to do something when you turn around and do it yourself.

Parents: Get the Drug Rehab Help You Need

If you are a parent, it is essential that you seek drug rehab immediately. Many parents postpone getting the help they need because they feel like they need to be present for their children. However, they could be causing their kids more problems in the long run by avoiding treatment and continuing with an active addiction in front of them.

If you would like help finding a drug rehab before your kids begin following in your addiction footsteps, contact us today. Call now.

Side effects are one thing, but flashbacks and hallucinations after years of sobriety – that’s the stuff that nightmares are made of. Ozzy Osbourne – or the Prince of Darkness, depending upon your rock and roll stance – fought off drug and alcohol addiction for decades and reports that his success is marred by continued side effects of his long-term drug abuse.

It seems that most of Ozzy’s current issues stem from using large amounts of LSD during his drug career. He said in a Rolling Stone magazine column that:  “LSD is a great time until it isn’t. One minute you’re running down Miami Beach with a foam finger on your head, the next you’re sticking a gun in your best friend’s face. I still get the after-effects of LSD to this day – I call them my wobblers. In a flash, every little problem freaks me out and becomes the end of the world.

Ozzy does not make light of the situation with his customary humorous take. Instead, he says that drug addiction almost killed him. Says Ozzy: “With the drugs, it nearly killed me on a daily basis – I did a lot of heavy drug taking for a long time and I survived it by the grace of God. You might not be as lucky as me – I’m living on borrowed time.”

Dealing with Physical Side Effects After Drug Addiction

Flashbacks, hallucinations and panic attacks due to long-term hallucinogenic drug abuse are not uncommon in those in recovery. Neither are the chronic health conditions that originated during regular drug abuse. Depending upon your drug of choice, these will be different. For example, a recovering alcoholic may have ongoing liver and kidney issues. Those who used needles to inject crystal meth or heroin may end up with Hepatitis C or HIV as a result. Ex-painkiller addicts may have a hard time fighting off pain naturally after treating their addiction. Though some physical side effects can be reversed with treatment, many will require lifelong maintenance.

Dealing with Other Side Effects After Drug Addiction

There are far more than just physical side effects that can plague a recovering addict or alcoholic. Long-term drug abuse can lead to drug-induced psychosis. Though most of the acute effects will be treated during rehab, many will continue to have issues with depression, mania, panic attacks, paranoia and anxiety for the rest of their lives. Those who had a co-occurring psychological condition like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression or anxiety disorder will likely see a worsening of symptoms due to chronic drug abuse.

Treating the Effects of Drug Addiction After Drug Rehab

If you are looking for an outpatient treatment program that can provide Dual Diagnosis treatment for those with co-occurring psychological disorders or if you need continued care and sober living to help you deal with the side effects of long-term drug addiction, contact us at the phone number listed above today. We can help you find a high-quality addiction treatment program that can provide you with the care you need and deserve.

He used to be a quarterback for the Jets, but now Ray Lucas is in drug rehab trying to fight off a painkiller addiction that came about due to chronic pain and injuries he incurred on the field. Lucas isn’t just a recovering addict – he’s an angry recovering addict. He is indicting the NFL, and their treatment of retired players and the addictions they developed due to work-related injuries. This isn’t a new opinion, but the way in which he’s expressing it is; Lucas is writing about his time spent in drug rehab and publishing it publicly on Facebook for all to follow and read.

He also wants to highlight the efforts of Pain Alternatives Solutions and Treatment to provide surgery and other medical care to former athletes free of charge. Says Lucas: “PAST saved my life.”

First Facebook Post in Recovery

According to New York Daily News, here’s Lucas’s first post:

“I arrived in Fla. [My counselor] tells me not to be nervous but that is impossible. Nervous about everything, my palms are sweating. This weather will be good for my body. Got a text from my mom she & my family are relieved I am here. I am on my way to start my life over. Can’t believe all the FB responses already it’s a good sign & the support is needed.”

Another post reads:

“The end of day 2 detox. The symptoms of detox are taking hold, I am in a lot of pain & everything hurts. This gets me scared. This place is amazing, having another player…  who has been through it by my side is a difference maker. Today in a session for the first time in my life I was dealing with the emotional impact of my departure from the NFL. This is the start of the fight & I AM WILLING TO FIGHT!”

Should You Facebook About Your Recovery?

It can be gratifying to gain support through online sources as you go through the ups and downs of recovery. Many blog about their recovery anonymously; not as many share their struggles with friends and family on Facebook. If everyone knows about your addiction issues, it’s not too big a deal. Those who don’t want to see inside the window to your soul can just block your updates from posting to their walls. Others can comment and support you. Consider, though, that employers, co-workers, distant family members – everyone you’ve friended will be able to access old updates and pictures forever unless you remove them. If that’s not a concern, double-check that your privacy settings are secure enough to keep out unwanted eyes.

Do you blog, Facebook or Twitter about your recovery? What are the pros and cons?

It’s not the first time for Aaron Carter, but it’s his most recent trip to drug rehab – and now he’s back and ready to get back to… work? A pop star in his teens and then a contestant on Dancing with the Stars, the 23-year-old celebrity decided to spend a month in rehab to “heal some emotional and spiritual issues he was dealing with,” according to what his rep told UsMagazine.com recently.

And yes, work is on Carter’s mind as he heads back to Florida. He’s reportedly working on a new album, the first one since 2002 when he released Another Earthquake, his sophomore album that didn’t fare as well as his most popular album that hit the stores in 2000: Aaron’s Party (Come and Get It).

Teen Stars and Drug Addiction

Carter isn’t the first kid to hit big either on the music stage or on the big or little screen only to end up with a whopping drug addiction at the end of it all. Many report using drugs and alcohol very early on – Drew Barrymore, for example – while others say their addiction issues didn’t start until after their fame started to wane. Depression after early success is common, especially when the jobs start to fall off. Many spend years in adulthood living with addiction and struggling to break back into show business. Others, like Melissa Gilbert, get their lives together and give back, helping others to fight drug and alcohol addiction by volunteering and speaking to kids.

Following Teen Stars into Addiction

Unfortunately, one of the side effects of teen drug addiction among the famous is that many preteens and teens follow their idols into addiction, opting to experiment with drugs and alcohol because they see pop stars and actors doing it. One of the ramifications of a famous person using drugs is that it glorifies drug and alcohol addiction to kids. They don’t see the harsh effects – physical illness, temper tantrums, devastated finances, bad decisions. All they see is the glamour of fame.

Helping Your Child Fight Teen Drug Addiction

If your child is abusing drugs, do not wait for the behavior to just go away on its own. Contrary to popular belief, treating teen drug abuse as a phase is not the best choice for your child. Instead, nip the behavior in the bud by addressing it and levying consequences. If your teen continues to abuse drugs and alcohol, find them treatment immediately and take them out of the environment that is fueling their addiction.

If you would like help finding a drug rehab for your teen over the age of 18, contact us today.

Adam Jasinski was the winner of Big Brother 9, but he made a much bigger mark on pop culture when he was arrested in October 2009 for trying to sell 2000 oxycodone pills – to an informant. Over a year later, he has now finally been sentenced for his crime: four years in prison.

Jasinski reported using his Big Brother 9 winnings to create a drug ring. One of his co-stars, Matt McDonald, was also involved.

U.S. District Court Judge William Young presided over the sentencing and said: “You were drug trafficking, and you were drug trafficking until they caught you. You got to a position where you thought that the rules didn’t apply to you.”

Jasinski says that he struggles with both bipolar disorder and drug addiction, and these two conditions informed his actions. He says: “I’m sick. I won $500,000 and I blew it all. I apologize. I’m a mess… Give me a chance to get out and find out who I really am.”

Co-Occurring Disorders and Drug Addiction

As if drug addiction alone wasn’t hard enough to deal with, psychological issues like bipolar disorder can make the experience of drug addiction so much more difficult and extreme. It can also make drug addiction treatment more difficult as well. The individual must figure out how to manage compulsive behaviors spurred by physical and psychological addiction as well as the issues that characterize the other disorder. It can get overwhelming and, in many cases, the addiction exacerbates the psychological issue and vice versa. When it’s time to get treatment, it’s important to make sure that the treatment center chosen offers treatment for both the addiction and the psychological issue – at the same time.

Some psychological disorders that require treatment at the same time as drug addiction include:

• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar Disorder
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Eating Disorders

Finding Drug Treatment Before It’s Too Late

Jasinski knew he had an issue with both bipolar disorder and drug addiction long before he got busted attempting to sell drugs to an informant. The best time to get treatment – obviously – is before you find yourself standing in front of a judge and receiving a four-year prison sentence. If you are diagnosed with a psychological issue like the ones listed above, you are more likely than someone without a psychological diagnosis to develop an addiction to drugs and alcohol. It’s not always easy to take that first step and begin the process of getting the help you need. If you recognize that you are struggling to keep dual disorders under control, contact us today. We can discuss which types of treatment will be most appropriate for you and help you to begin the enrollment process if you’re ready to take the second step toward a life of balance and peace.

David Arquette has been having a hard time since his split with Courteney Cox last year. The months since their separation have had him making several revealing – and somewhat sloppy – appearances on Howard Stern’s radio show and drinking heavily.

Arquette told Us Magazine: “I’ve been drinking a lot because I’m heartbroken. It’s really a personal, traumatic thing. Everybody is worried and concerned about me.”

Finally, Arquette has decided to stop wallowing and get himself some help. According to his rep, Arquette recently checked into a rehab center to get treatment for the drinking problem that has overwhelmed him in recent months.

One source says that Arquette is hoping to win back Cox in the process. Says the source: “He’s trying to win Courteney [Cox] back, and he turned back to drinking again out of frustration. He is doing this to show her he means it and will do anything for her and Coco. He wants his family life back. It’s been so hard on him.”

He started by seeking treatment from a psychiatrist weekly, according to his appearance on the Howard Stern show, but apparently, that wasn’t enough to really get the job done – or perhaps it was his time in therapy that revealed the true need for alcohol rehab.

Breakups, Drinking and the Need for Alcohol Rehab

Problems with relationships, including the breakup of long-term relationships, are common triggers for alcoholics. Functional alcoholics who were holding it together previously often lose their grip when their marriage or relationship falls apart. In many cases, it was their former partner who enabled them in their addiction; losing the person who covered for them, cleaned up their messes and picked them up when they fell down meant that they could no longer keep their secret.

Binge alcoholics often increase the frequency of their binges after a breakup, going into a full drunken meltdown. Alcoholics with a problem that was already apparent to others can lose all control after a breakup. It’s common and difficult to deal with even without addiction issues. The best way to handle it is to remove alcohol addiction from the equation and get the alcohol rehab necessary to make a clean break and start over.

Breakups and Relapse After Alcohol Rehab

Few relationships make it through alcoholism and even fewer make it when one half of the couple goes to alcohol rehab. During recovery, trying to create new relationships early on is generally advised against. Even new relationships that end can be stressful enough to trigger a relapse. For most, the best plan is to remain focused on sobriety and postpone relationships until you are stable and strong in recovery.

Season 4 of the popular reality TV show, Celebrity Rehab is gearing up and so is its captain, Dr. Drew Pinsky. Dr. Drew recently spoke to Huffington Post about how the show began, the issue of rewarding addiction with celebrity by granting certain people a spot on the show, and the type of personality that would agree to air their most private struggles in front of millions of viewers. Here’s what he had to say.

How Celebrity Rehab Got Its Start

Dr. Drew wants to make it clear: Celebrity Rehab wasn’t his idea. It was something that he thought sounded interesting but didn’t think could ever materialize. The many variables and issues made it seem like an impossibility, but he decided to pitch it anyway. Lo and behold, VH1 was interested, and Dr. Drew and his team had to figure out how to make it happen.

Bob Forrest, one of the counselors on the show, wanted it to be clear to viewers: drug rehab is not a vacation. He wanted viewers to have a real look at the struggles that go along with drug addiction treatment. Dr. Drew agreed and also wanted to host a show that highlighted how one of the most common and destructive illnesses of our time is treated.

The Celebrity Aspect of Celebrity Rehab

Some have accused past participants on Celebrity Rehab of being more interested in kick starting their careers with a little media attention rather than true recovery. It’s something that Dr. Drew fully admits is a priority of most of the celeb addicts and alcoholics on the show. He says that that goal does nothing to deter their progress in treatment.

Says Dr. Drew: “What happens is the tables get turned. Most drug addicts leave when you start to squeeze them, but these people, because they feel that pull to stay on camera and get famous, they stay and go through the steps it takes to get clean. I never would have predicted it would work that way, but it does. Once they get clean, they feel motivated to go out and help other people get clean. And because they’re now celebrities, they have this platform to do that.”

Who Would Want to Go Through Drug Addiction Treatment in Front of Millions?

It’s a good question. Drug addiction treatment brings out the most vulnerable experiences in an individual’s life and can mean seriously painful introspection and discovery. It’s hard enough to do alone with a therapist or in a group of peers also struggling with addiction. It seems impossible with the whole world watching. Dr. Drew feels that only a celebrity who is used to living life in front of the public would be able to honestly consent to do the show with a true idea of what they were in for in terms of repercussions due to the resulting fame.

He recalls repeatedly asking the first season participants whether or not it was okay to show one thing or another. Mary Carey, a porn star, was one of those participants. Her response to Dr. Drew: “Relax. I’ve done just about everything in front of a camera you can imagine. Doing this is not a problem.”

Michael Jackson’s dramatic death may have seemed like a surprise to the public, but many from his inner circle feared a tragedy for years. In the 18 months that have passed since his death, many more facts and stories have come out about his drug use. Never mind Jackson’s fame and celebrity status – this is a story of addiction.

Michael Jackson Struggles With Truth Of Drug Use

Jackson admitted under oath that he was possibly impaired from too many prescription drugs back in 2007. He was reportedly using large amounts of painkillers and sedatives, including an anesthetic called Propofol. He reportedly used this drug to treat his insomnia. However, this practice is not recommended by the National Sleep Foundation.

Jackson’s situation was obviously complicated. As it sometimes goes with mega-stars, they can sometimes get people to do dangerous or unhealthy things for them. Jackson has been reluctant to claim responsibility for anything like a drug addiction. And yet the anecdotal reports continue to filter in.

According to an interview with Jackson’s mother, Michael had scolded her for not believing his story that he wasn’t addicted. He continued to deny this reality until the very end. In October of 2010, Lisa Marie Presley stated that his addiction ended their marriage. She also said that if Michael didn’t want to be confronted by someone, he’d just push them away.

The autopsy report showed that he had been given a huge dose of Propofol and barbiturates the morning of his death. Authorities found these drugs in his home as well. While the main responsibility rests on Michael, the doctor who along with this seems to at least bear some moral (if not legal) responsibility for such questionable medical care.

Truth And Fantasy Clash In Jackson’s Life

Jackson’s public comments and all the posthumous reports clearly clash. It reveals a pattern of overuse and denial that so many prescription drug addicts fall into. They refuse to face the truth, show odd behavior that gets noticed anyway, and become distant because of the drug use and behaviors. Sometimes, they never really put the whole picture together.

In the worst scenario, an overdose or other problem takes someone’s life before they can see the bigger situation. Of course, most prescription drug addicts are not nearly so famous or well connected. But make no mistake – these patterns of behavior and thinking are based on basic human nature.

Jackson is a human being like everyone else. At some point, this ceases to be a simple celebrity phenomenon. Yes, he had enormous pressures and an atypical upbringing. But people are people and everyone has life problems to deal with. Anyone can get on the slippery slope of prescription drug addiction when the right circumstances appear. And anyone who’s either been addicted or been around someone with addiction would sadly recognize much of this destructive cycle.

Drug Rehab Can Help With Prescription Drug Addiction

Michael Jackson apparently did go to drug rehab once in the 1990′s. However, he seemed reluctant to go through that experience again. He did so much to deny that his use was addictive. He chose his fantasy over reality. In the end, he paid the price with his life.

If you or someone you know is going down a similar path, it doesn’t have to end this way. We’ll never know if Jackson could have turned his life around with another chance at drug rehab. His habits and excuses were so ingrained and supported by enough people that he never completely cracked the denial facade.

Don’t let this happen to someone in your life. Prescription drug rehab can help your loved one get out of the addiction trap. Please contact us today for more information.

Throughout history there have been brilliant men and women who seemed incapable of balancing the demands of their personal lives with their contributions to history. Today, we are able to recognize that many of history’s most fascinating figures were in fact in need of professional help.

Many of these historical figures self-medicated themselves in order to fight their personal demons. Some chose drugs or alcohol, while others engaged in dangerous behavior that put their health at risk. If they were alive today, they would definitely need to spend some time in treatment to overcome their issues. Here are seven of the most fascinating people in history and their chosen vices.

1. Vincent Van Gogh

VICE: Absinthe

DISORDER: Epilepsy & Bipolar Disorder

“I’m sorry, you’ll have to speak into my good ear. It’s in my pocket”

Few people know that Vincent Van Gogh, tortured artist and earless legend, suffered from a case of the crazies. Years later, it would be revealed that “the crazies” was actually a misdiagnosis of epilepsy, which he aggravated through absinthe abuse.

Van Gogh used absinthe as a way to manage his condition. Thujone, the toxin in absinthe, made his epilepsy and manic depression far worse than if he hadn’t medicated at all. While it is unclear as to which came first, the epilepsy or the absinthe, Vincent Van Gogh definitely could have benefited from at least a brief stint at a rehab center.

2. Ulysses S. Grant

VICE: Alcohol

DISORDER: Hypocrisy

Grant, posing for an old-timey baseball card

The biggest alcoholic to ever be put on money (except maybe the guy on the Wyoming quarter), U.S. Grant had been drinking long before he made it to the White House.

What is ironic about Grant is the fact that he was, in fact, a “Son of Temperance.” Actively fighting the fight against alcohol abuse, U.S. Grant did what he could to abstain from the bottle. That is until he quit the Sons of Temperance, and resumed drinking like a fish. While history will remember him as a man who helped win the Civil War, his friends will remember him as a mean-ass drunk.

3. Adolf Hitler

VICES: Methamphetamines & Cocaine

DISORDER: Little Man Syndrome, Anti-Semitism

The mustache hides the coke bump…

Let’s table the obvious sensitivity training needed by Hitler, as most people are generally aware of it. What fewer people are aware of is the fact that he also abused methamphetamines and cocaine while running Nazi Germany.

While it is amazing to think that a leader hopped-up on amphetamines and coke could have the presence of mind and charisma needed to lead an entire country to war, Hitler was able to do it. Granted, he lost that war and is generally regarded as the worst human being ever to walk the face of the planet, but it’s still quite the historical legacy for a man who was high for much of his time in power.

4. Princess Diana

VICE: Bulimia

DISORDER: Borderline Personality Disorder

The crown adds 10 pounds…

Princess Diana was bulimic for almost four years before she sought treatment. Once she made her condition public, the number of bulimia cases rose dramatically.

At first this was written off as copycatting, since throwing up seemed to be the only thing Princess Diana did that normal women could do just as well. However, it was later revealed that these cases were long-standing, and that Diana’s admission made women comfortable seeking treatment.

5. Edgar Allan Poe

VICE: Alcohol

DISORDER: Bi-polar Disorder & Schizophrenia

Quoth the Raven: I’ll have one more.

Edgar Allan Poe, a master Gothic literature, was also a bit of a drunk. Had he gotten that problem taken care of, perhaps he could have thought of an additional line for that stupid raven to say.

While it is up for debate as to whether or not his boozing influenced his writing, most people seem to agree that Poe was rather fond of the bottle. Since most of his literature was written from the point of view of a first person narrator, and since most of Poe’s first person narrators ate opium and drank, he is often misunderstood to be far worse off than he was. Nevertheless, he was pretty bad, and a short stint at Betty Ford would have served him well.

6. Emperor Nero of Rome

VICE: Sex

DISORDER: Megalomania

The fiddling fool, himself.

The Roman emperor Nero, famous for playing music while Rome burned, was a complex man. Though he was the greatest emperor of a generation, he also appeared to be a bit of a sex addict.

In fairness, it would be hard to not be a sex fiend back on those days, particularly if the statues bear any resemblance to real life. Not only are you the emperor of Rome, but everyone around you is hot and covered by only the smallest of leaves. Ancient Rome, for the wealthy classes, was a city of sexual excess, and it’s not hard to understand why Nero was so frequently tempted.

7. F. Scott Fitzgerald

VICE: Absinthe

Drunk as a skunk

When your drinking problems are so bad that developing a case of TB is actually an improvement to your health, you know you are in rough shape. Although the creator of The Great Gatsby will always be remembered as a terrific writer, his death at age 44 could have been prevented had he lived a life of moderation.

Conclusion:

Although rock stars and Hollywood actors tend to be who we think of when we hear the word “rehab,” the reality is some of the greatest and most influential figures in history could have used some as well. Although they are primarily remembered for other reasons, many of their legacies will forever be tarnished with memories of abuse.