Celebrities going to rehab seems to be a growing trend in Hollywood. The latest celebrity to admit themselves to rehab, Charlie Sheen recently admitted himself to rehab this past week. While I know rehab works (I'm a recovering addict celebrating 10 yrs. sobriety) it seems to be a cop out for these celebrities. Several celebraties have taken the high road and gotten help to deal with their addiction (Jeff Conaway, Whitney Houston, Lindsay Lohan, Brittany Spears, and we know the fatal outcome of Michael Jackson) only to return right back to using their drug of choice after completing a short stay in rehab. With the overwhelming amount of resources available at their fingertips and the best care available, why do they return to the problem that plagued them in the first place?

In my opinion, there is no excuse to return unless they are not serious about getting well in the first place. I guess accepting life on life's terms is often difficult and when reaching the status of celeb it is sometimes extremely difficult. We often hold celebs to a higher standard which creates further pressure to stay clean. I believe there are consequences for bad behavior and in spite of wealth, power, and fame celebs need to be held accountable for their actions. Using drugs is illegal and they are not punished for having drugs or using them. They receive no jail time, they are still highly regarded within society, and they still have their money. Plain and simple the consequences must outweigh the current life style. With no real consequences for their actions then it seems they go right back to old behaviors.

In the article, Why Rehab doesn't work for celebrities (Galbraith, 2009) the celeb must be treated like a normal person in order to succeed with the recovery process. With constant attention directed right on their lives, and the media constantly constantly reporting their gossip, the celeb must work extra hard to get clean and stay clean. In the show on VH-1, Celebrity Rehab, Dr. Drew helps the celebrity with counseling and group meetings in a 12-wwk stay at the facility. The show deals with their issues regarding treatment and relapse while seeking recovery. Once again, they are in the spotlight.

Because addiction is so powerful, cunning, baffling, and given the addictive personality of most people in recovery, the success of the addict depends on a rigid plan to stay clean and sober. One bad choice can be a cocktail for danger and erase years of hard work whether you have been clean for one day, one year, or 10 years, it only works if you work it and you have to work it every day (Personal Communication, NA Meeting).