Is Dr. Drew Exploiting Addicts?

In light of country singer Mindy McCready’s suicide, many bloggers are examining the role of the television program “Celebrity Rehab” (among others) in our addicted communities. In 2010, McCready appeared on “Celebrity Rehab” and disclosed her struggles with addiction and mental health. Now, the show’s host and physician, Dr. Drew Pinsky, is under fire for his ethical and therapy styles from people who are not in the addiction field. Singer Richard Marx tweeted on Tuesday, “It is, however, my opinion that what Dr. D does is exploitation and his TV track record is not good.” Some may say videotaping addicts when they are most vulnerable may be questionable.  Dr. Drew’s rate for success is pretty good, despite the fact that five addicts who appeared on “Celebrity Rehab” have now died. What people may not realize is that death is not uncommon in the addiction community. The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report said that in 2008 there were 36,450 drug overdose deaths in the United States alone, and that doesn’t include alcohol-related deaths.  Addiction is characterized by destruction and death is the permanent consequence. Addicts and everyone around them realize that addiction is a gamble, but people who aren’t closely involved with addicts sometimes say ignorant things they later regret. McCready had dual diagnosis, which is common among chronic relapsers. Mental health should be stabilized at the same time substance abuse is eliminated to help dual diagnosis addicts receive optimal treatment. Did dual diagnosis treatment work for you? Share one thing that stood out in your treatment below or on our Facebook page.