In response to an article published by the AP, in which I was quoted "Celebrity Justice: Short sentences for stars," I first want to reiterate that I stand by my statements on repercussions of celebrities tampering with the law when drugs/alcohol are involved. The celebrities specifically called out in the article, Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Richie, are not new to the limelight or to finding trouble.

In my experience, there a lot of cases where we see a pattern in behavior because the real issue or problem is not addressed properly the first time, leading to relapses in use and/or poor decision making. I believe that these young people should be sentenced to treatment as opposed to a courtroom or jail. Individuals seeking treatment for a dependency need personalized and customized care that fits their needs. There are traditional 12-step programs out there such as Promises, Wonderland or Cirque Lodge, that all have their own niche in treatment services and programs. There is also the Waismann Method that offers a very unique program in that it medically treats opiate dependencies, such as OxyContin, Vicodin, Methadone and Suboxone.

The Waismann Method has become one of the most successful treatment programs for opiate patients worldwide by offering treatment in a carefully monitored hospital setting. After-care is also available at Domus Retreat, a transitional living facility offering specialized care in a supportive environment. Its programs are specifically created for individuals suffering from pain whose physical and/or mental discomfort is disguised by substance abuse. Additionally, board certified specialists are available to offer customized programs including medical and psychological support to help patients to overcome their pain in a healthy, constructive, and humane manner.

What are your feelings on the coverage in general? Is it the truth?
The coverage reflects both sides of the story, and in that regards I feel comfortable saying that for the most part it is truth and fact. However, it is difficult to generalize a disease and problem that should be looked at in a case-by-case basis. It is hard to compare situations but we tend to evaluate a situation by doing so.

Is there more to the story?
There is generally always more to the story. What the AP article, and many articles, fails to report on is again, the underlying root of the problem. Why are these stars getting into drugs and alcohol? Why are they turning to these numbing devices instead of getting the professional help that they need whether it is a psychiatrist, therapist, etc? I tried to point out that many of the patients I see are similar to celebrities in that they are wealthy, suffer from low self-esteem and are angry. They are angry at themselves and at the world, causing them to act out self-destructively. These patients are typically wealthy individuals that believe that money makes them invincible.

Again, as I said in this article I would always recommend a 90-day period that includes three stages: intensive treatment, transitional living and sober living.

Overall, young Hollywood is changing the way that treatment centers operate. For example, we see photos of stars in magazines or on TV, out in public either on their cell phones, shopping, exercising off-site, etc. We need to get back to basics and treat these people just as we would everyone else—and without special privileges. In the past, these activities would be strictly off limits and today because rehab is becoming almost mainstream with this exclusive group, the rules are being compromised.

Is the media simplifying the matter or making it complex?
The media plays a role in celebrity drug and alcohol dependencies by placing these stars in the limelight and glamorizing their problems. Instead of focusing on the underlying disease or issue an individual might have, the media is too focused on the comparing celebrities’ hardships and bad fortunes.

As I originally stated, celebrities and especially young celebrities, crave the attention of the limelight. They have learned that this is a great way to get on the cover of a magazine or be the lead story in a broadcast program.

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