Hat Tip and thanks to TDA reader Norm for the heads up on this one!
It’s being reported that one of my least favorite alcoholics, Andy Dick, will participate in reality show called Sober Living. Locking up a bunch of media whores in a Hollywood mansion full of cameras with celebrity doctor Drew Pinsky is not what I would call a serious attempt at sobriety. In fact, this type of televised in-house treatment is more of an alcoholic oxymoron.
An alcoholic oxymoron is formed when terms are combined that are incongruous or contradictory when considered in context with alcoholism, addiction, and recovery issues. A good example I used recently is when golf pro and alcoholic John Daly talked about his recent “controlled drinking”. Of course we all know that an alcoholic that is even considering drinking is already effectively, out of control.
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The reason in-house treatment is so much more effective than out patient or daily meetings is that it is an encompassing process that ensures recovery remains THE priority. The thought of an in-house treatment full of cameras and a public eager for the next episode of drama queen antics, it won’t take long before the alcoholics realize that it is their behavior and not their disease which is the main subject of concern here. Alcoholics are well skilled at the art of diversion, making sure that their drinking remains a secondary issue. Having a group of spoiled, flamboyant attention hogs that includes the likes of Andy Dick and well… you get the picture, and it won’t be recovery related.
Media-savvy therapist Dr. Drew Pinsky is rumored to be involved in the show, which will cage marginal celebrities in a Beverly Hills mansion while producers prod them toward recovery and/or trainwreck TV. ~ Yahoo
But I don’t blame Andy Dick for this; no it is his lewd and crude behavior of the past that earns my distaste. Drew Pinsky is the one here that deserves to be called out on the carpet; a doctor should know better than participate in a farce like this. A doctor should treat patients in a healing environment, not benefit from their suffering like an emperor lording over the cruel games of the Roman Coliseum.
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The biggest problem I see is that a positive institution will be made a mockery of. Rehab is a lifesaver. Mental health professionals are a largely a force for good.
Having a ringmaster, his acts and the clowns belittles what is, for most people that find themselves there, a profound and possibly life changing event. Will someone whom sees this travesty and finds themselves in our hallowed halls be able to take the disease and us seriously?
The nature of the traditions is that we can't have a lobbyist organization. It's too bad. This is one that should never make it to the production lot.
although I agree this is a man reason for success. I think in-house treatment mutes the outside world so that the wicked voice that is our disease has less distractions to work with to occupy the alcoholic from his condition. That is why I think having cameras and celebrities together in rehab is so contradictory.
TDA,
Viewers (users) are conditioned by the media they consume. When they are presented with, say, a stereotype, then it tends to become the first concept recollected. Pick a star. Lindsay or Paris, say...
I don't watch tv. My media consumption is very limited. A few blogs and Digg.
Personal opinion: You're 100% right regarding what happens in the protected environment of treatment. When patients arrive with a preconceived notion, does it get in the way?
It occurred to me a few days ago that when got sober, for the first year, I was struck stupid. Good thing, too.
for those in this treatment venue (including Mr Dick), but also much of the public and future patients will consider this what passes for "treatment".
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