San Diego Residents Discuss Celebrities and Addictive Behavior

Is Relapse Higher Among Celebs?

I received this from a follower of Lasting Recovery's Blog...

"It seems as though celebrities are always in trouble. Is it just me or are they always in and out of some sort of drug rehab facility for some sort of addictive behavior? Whose to blame? Is it a lack of parental support or a celebrity-addicted public? Both? Or something else entirely?

The incidence of addictive behavior might be higher among celebrities than other people but their situation is completely blown out of proportion by the media. Just like “ordinary” people sometimes need multiple treatments to fully recover from addictions, celebs sometimes need additional treatments, too! 

What causes celebrity addictive behavior? How does a cute and creative little boy or girl turn into a self-destructive substance abuser? When kids grow up knowing they can find answers, comfort and strength by looking inward, they will be less likely to become dependent on external sources such as mind-altering substances, destructive behavior and unhealthy relationships to fill their boredom, change their emotions and give them liquid courage.  Alcohol, drugs, sex, over/under eating, or compulsive shopping are typical vehicles used by insecure and confused teens to help them avoid discomfort, frustration, fear and pain. And more than 90% of adults who suffer from alcohol or drug problems began as teens and as 40-50 year old adults are still using alcohol and drugs to avoid feeling discomfort, depression, frustration fear and pain.

Psychologists have indicated that though many people obsess over glamorous film, television, sport and pop stars, others have unlikely icons such as politicians or authors. The only common factor between them is that they are all figures in the public eye.

So, even though it can be said that there are a tendency for celebrities to turn to substances for various reasons (stress, availability, etc.), the media headlines make the problem of celebrities and substance abuse seem larger than it probably is. This situation is fueled by a society who loves to see their idols take a tumble. What is the term? “The higher they climb, the harder they fall?” And people are drawn to high drama. I think we like to see that celebs are human, too. When they “fail,” their humanness is recognized and we feel closer to them.

As a recovering alcoholic myself, I do believe that celebrities have no harder time remaining clean and sober than the rest of us (assuming they are given proper treatment and care).  I completed my final treatment program for alcoholism over 17 years ago but this was after many, many relapses. I could have made multiple appearances in the headlines for substance abuse! 

There a number of things that make it seem like celebrities are always checking into rehabs or headlines announcing that such-in-such should be checked into some sort of rehab. I suppose it is not fair to judge this particular subset of our population that are famous; since, after all, they are in the limelight constantly and we have a heightened sense of awareness of their lives.  It isn’t considered a “good Christian” practice to judge them on their actions, either – especially since I was in a similar boat not too long ago. This “everyone’s doing it” mentality is today more beneficial for the recovery process (I think) than for the idea of copying anybody’s active addictions. The negative consequences of this out-of-control behavior is well advertised and must be considered a “plus” for getting people to at least consider recovery."

And now there is Congressman Weiner and all his troubles.  Many compare sexual addiction to substance abuse because those involved in it are unable to stop – even though they are aware of the ways the addiction will destroy their life.  And many times the two disorders go hand in hand. There is much to discuss about sexual addiction. This will be a subject for a future blog. Stay tuned…

Judy Saalinger, Ph.D., MFT, CAS

Co-founder and Executive Director