Radio commentator Rush Limbaugh stunned his audience today by admitting that he had become addicted to prescription painkillers. His statement from his website:
You know I have always tried to be honest with you and open about my life. So I need to tell you today that part of what you have heard and read is correct. I am addicted to prescription pain medication. I first started taking prescription painkillers some years ago when my doctor prescribed them to treat post surgical pain following spinal surgery. Unfortunately the surgery was unsuccessful, and I continued to have severe pain in my lower back and also in my neck due to herniated discs.
I am still experiencing that pain. Rather than opt for additional surgery for these conditions, I chose to treat the pain with prescribed medication. This medication turned out to be highly addictive. Over the past several years I have tried to break my dependence on pain pills and, in fact, twice checked myself into medical facilities in an attempt to do so. I have recently agreed with my physician about the next steps. Immediately following this broadcast, I am checking myself into a treatment center for the next 30 days to once and for all break the hold this highly addictive medication has on me.
The show will continue during this time, of course, with an array of guest hosts you have come to know and respect. I am not making any excuses. You know, over the years athletes and celebrities have emerged from treatment centers to great fanfare and praise for conquering great demons. They are said to be great role models and examples for others. Well, I am no role model. I refuse to let anyone think I am doing something great here, when there are people you never hear about, who face long odds and never resort to such escapes.
They are the role models. I am no victim and do not portray myself as such. I take full responsibility for my problem. At the present time the authorities are conducting an investigation, and I have been asked to limit my public comments until this investigation is complete. So, I will only say that the stories you have read and heard contain inaccuracies and distortions, which I will clear up when I am free to speak about them. I deeply appreciate all of your support over this last tumultuous week. It has sustained me. I ask now for your prayers. I look forward to resuming our excursion into broadcast excellence together.
This is a stunning admission for Mr. Limbaugh, after over a week of rumors about Rush and painkillers. Limbaugh did the right thing by admitting he had a problem and taking personal responsibility for this problem. I would hope that the media would treat Mr. Limbaugh no different than any other celebrity with a drug problem, however, I suspect that will not be the case.
Limbaugh did the right thing by admitting he had a problem and taking personal responsibility for this problem.
Isn’t this exactly what Rush asked you not to do? Not to praise him for doing what he should have already done?
He’s a druggie. He’s exactly what he railed against for so many years – people too weak to avoid physical addiction. Maybe this will clue him into the real danger of drugs – that addiction isn’t just something you can fight with a little backbone and a stiff upper lip. Of course he’s always been too large a hypocrite to be softened by his own personal failings.
I would hope that the media would treat Mr. Limbaugh no different than any other celebrity with a drug problem, however, I suspect that will not be the case.
I certainly hope not. He deserves the same treatment he has been advocating for drug addicts for years. I say tear this man a new one until he recants. Then he’ll be, as far as I’m concerned, “any other celebrity with a drug problem”.
I don’t know if we need to jump down his throat for his drug problem – but let’s not start sucking his dick just because he fessed up to being naughty. That’s exactly the kind of praise that he has expressed a desire to avoid, and that he’s decried when it happens to others.