Dennis Marcellino's Addiction Free Forever is a fascinating book that explains why prominent celebrity figures develop addictions to drugs and alcohol. The author provides a clear method on how to tackle and eliminate these vices. And as someone who personally experienced addictions as a celebrity himself as a member of some very famous bands, he is able to shed light on why celebrities, who seem to have it all in the eyes of the world, often end up in and out of rehab, and sometimes even kill themselves with overdoses, for example John Belushi, Chris Farley, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, etc.
From Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan to Dennis Rodman and Aaron Carter, the list of celebrities in rehab centers seems never ending. The one celebrity case of rehab that was particularly unique was that of Ted Williams. A one-time radio announcer with a golden voice, Williams allowed himself to spiral down the abyss of drug and alcohol abuse. The extent of his fall was such that he actually became homeless. Only recently, circa December 2010, was his amazing voice re-discovered; however, unable to handle his sudden rise to fame, he found himself back in rehab, treading the same path that led to his initial downfall. With that said, here are five reasons why celebrities end up in rehab:
1) "Thrust onto big stages before first maturing."
Alcohol is often used to mask one's inability to sustain a functional existence. Dennis Marcellino states, "Many entertainers find themselves in the spotlight and as role models just because they are good at their craft." Child actors such as Macaulay Culkin and Lindsay Lohan rise to fame so quickly that they often find themselves isolated, with nothing to lean on but drugs and alcohol. Human development occurs in a natural progression, the disruption of which often leads to shyness, insecurity, and low self-esteem. A certain level of maturation is needed to cope with the complex issues of being in the limelight.
2) "You can't expect someone to say no to drugs unless they have something better to say yes to."
Dennis Marcellino defines "high" as "higher states of inner peace, joy, and love." Marcellino is a living example of an individual who beat addiction because he invested in a different high-a spiritual high. Although quite a few addicts relapse and re-enter rehab, addicts who fully turn to Christianity find "strength, peace, deep fulfillment and great purpose that will not only eliminate any desire for alcohol or drugs, but they will find their effects repulsive."
3) Mental illness and wavering emotional health
Movie stars, athletes, and the entertainment industry on the whole are known for indulging in extramarital affairs, divorce, and many other dysfunctional activities. At the same time, it is important to understand that celebrities, like professional athletes, are away from their families during much of their careers. It's a hunger and emotional wavering that sends them reeling into a world of alcohol, promiscuity and drug abuse.
4) Behavior modification and the 12-step movement's nebulous higher power mask the alcoholism and addictions, not eradicate them.
There are many Alcoholics Anonymous and Twelve-step programs that help shape one's behavior through a multitude of strategies. What A.A. groups don't account for is that celebrities use alcohol and drugs as band-aids. But once the band-aids are off, there will be the potential for severe relapse into the same cycle of substance abuse. Therefore Marcellino challenges the prevailing notions that "alcoholism is a disease, from which an abuser will always be 'recovering'." He says that permanent solutions do exist. And he presents his own history of permanent recovery as an example. He shows the path to becoming an "EX" abuser in his program at http://www.AddictionFreeForever.com. And he's made his program very inexpensive and therefore accessible to all.
5) Peer pressure and business/social reasons
Lakers star center, Andrew Bynum, found himself "raining money" at a club and partying with Playboy girls. Can a 21-year-old who seeks to make a name for himself in the NBA afford to be afflicted with the peer pressure syndrome? Celebrities often use social events, business meetings, etc. as pretenses to "get wasted"-which is why they occur almost exclusively in places and clubs where alcohol is free flowing. The pressure is on, and to be part of the group, there has to be a certain level of participation. It's expected.
Dennis Marcellino's Addiction Free Forever takes the mystery out of lifestyles that are fraught with vices and bad habits. By explaining why so many get involved with drugs and alcohol, and other unhealthy activities, the author moves the reader to a better understanding of how these behaviors can be prevented and/or corrected, and how they can move into an inner and outer lifestyle where they are strong, independent and at peace with themselves and life.
Author Resource:
Find out more about Addiction Recovery by visiting http://www.addictionfreeforever.com.
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