I started the Entertainment Industries Council, Inc. as a nonprofit organization in 1983. (EIC), which will act as a link between the entertainment industry and social and health issues. With these 25 years of expertise, I feel prepared to address the finger-pointing, prodding, prodding, lens clicking, and tittering that surround celebrity rehab. And I have something to say.
The celebrity rehab we read about is not, first and foremost, a joke intended to amuse people. We—as well as our kids—have never-before-seen access to what addiction and mental illness look like thanks to our tabloid-driven pop culture. In 2007, more than two dozen other individuals—including Britney Spears, Amy Winehouse, Lindsay Lohan, and more—entered therapy and addiction recovery facilities, garnering media attention.
These are not pranks or reality television shows taking place on Hollywood’s streets for the enjoyment of the general public; these are dangerous situations involving lives that are out of control. If we pay attention, we can watch as intricate tales play out in front of us. Being non-judgmental in our approach and respecting the creative freedom provided in our great country is one of EIC’s guiding principles. For those who make assumptions about substance abuse and mental health problems, I ask:
Do you not believe that everyone has the right to be treated with kindness, compassion, and empathy, especially when they are going through a difficult time emotionally and physically?
Regardless of gender, socioeconomic status, race, or religion, these problems affect every segment of our population. The truth is that most of us can think of at least one person whose life has been severely impacted by a mental illness or drug abuse. If you find humor in Britney Spears now, will you find humor in five or ten years when, God forbid, your niece, uncle, sister, brother, or even your mother or your own son or daughter loses control of their lives? Will it then be funny?
Tabloid journalism, gossip-mongering programming that only serves to spread misinformation, and media that actually makes a difference—sheds light, teaches, and maybe even saves a life—are in stark contrast. In our collective haste to judgment, we frequently miss the fact that the entertainment sector can be a remarkably effective ally in raising awareness and sensitivity to social and public health issues by airing shows that faithfully reflect the realities and the ensuing difficulties we may all encounter.
Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew on VH1 The public is served in a special and valuable way by important, innovative shows like Drew, Intervention on A&E, and Rehab on HBO. Illustrating the initial steps in the battle against addiction and mental health issues is a process akin to navigating a maze while wearing blinders. It is ugly and frightful. Some succeed in improving their own lives as well as the lives of their families, friends, and society. While some, sadly, do not, it can be beneficial if the insights presented in these programs aid in efforts to heal or deepen our empathy and understanding.
It’s a double-edged sword to have access to the private lives of famous people who endure unimaginable pressures and scrutiny. While it exposes us to the waking nightmare that losing control of one’s life can be, it has also started a conversation about addiction and mental illness that had previously been taboo. While I, like most of America, am worried about Britney Spears’ welfare as well as the health and well-being of her children, I am heartened to see that there has been a national shift away from bemused fascination with her spontaneous antics and toward recognition of her condition as critically ill, as well as a new understanding of the true goal of rehabilitation: to get better.
The next time you get a glimpse into the lives of celebrities like Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Mel Gibson, Kirsten Dunst, Pat O’Brien, Eva Mendes, Marc Jacobs, Jesse Metcalfe, Eddie Van Halen, and others, remember to be thankful for what you have and show respect for their decision to seek treatment. Consider following their lead and seeking assistance if reading their stories causes you to second-guess your own behavior. We must stop making fun of and start understanding the recovery process because it can and frequently does involve relapses. These tales might be the solace some people need to cope with the loss of loved ones, friends, and great, deceased artists like Heath Ledger, Brad Renfro, and, well, you know the list.
John Goodman recently made a telling comment about his recent work in rehab:
“I voluntarily made the necessary changes to end my drinking for the rest of my life for the benefit of my family and for myself.”
John, go ahead and thanks for sharing. Yes, “thanks for sharing,” that often-repeated mantra: In the grand scheme of things, it really does mean something when anyone, but especially when someone who enjoys widespread recognition due to their name, shares experiences of such a personal nature.
It should be a personal, judgment-free experience to visit a rehab facility or seek professional counseling for a mental health issue. However, since it isn’t for the majority of people, why don’t we encourage those who do so in order to gain knowledge? A toast to enlightening media. And kudos to John Goodman and everyone else who has the fortitude and courage to do so in front of the public.
Therefore, as celebrities and anyone else who may be battling mental health issues or addiction work to reclaim their lives, why don’t we try to stop making assumptions, pointing the finger, and exercising a little compassion?