Watch Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew
- 2008
- 6 Seasons
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6.1 (1,445)
Television is awash in reality programs, but there may be none as earthy as Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. The hour-long weekly program follows celebrities and other well-known individuals as they attempt to overcome various forms of substance abuse under the guidance of Dr. Drew Pinsky. Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew was born out of concern by Dr. Pinsky that substance abuse had grown into a tabloid media sensation, with excessive attention being given to celebrity addicts and not enough to the issue of addiction itself. The emphasis of the program is therefore on the treatment of substance abuse. Early casting reportedly ran into problems because of resistance by the representatives of celebrities. The concern was over the showing of public figures in ways that were radically different from how they were normally seen. The program employs multiple camera crews that separately follow eight or nine patients through rehabilitation over the course of each season. The patients are recorded 24 hours a day, every day of the three-week program. Cameras without crews are also set up to capture events that may occur in more private settings. Microphones are even set up in restrooms used by the patients should they attempt to secretly satisfy their addictions. The patients receive a salary in addition to the treatment, which is free to them. The treatment takes place at the Pasadena, California, Recovery Center. Dr. Pinsky, who is an internist and specialist in addiction medicine, had previously gained fame as a syndicated radio host dedicated to helping young adults deal with various issues. His assistants on his TV show include technicians, a counselor and a psychiatrist. Producers had during the first season sought actor Tom Sizemore, who had received considerable publicity for his various addictions, and although this attempt was unsuccessful, he did appear in the third season of the program. Other celebrities who have appeared on the show include actor Daniel Baldwin, who had struggled with addiction to cocaine, former basketball player Dennis Rodman, an abuser of alcohol, and former model Janice Dickinson, who had used both cocaine and alcohol. Some experts in addiction have criticized the techniques used by Dr. Pinsky. Two celebrities, actor Jeff Conaway and musician Mike Starr, died from the effects of their substance abuse after appearing on the program. However, Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew has drawn praise from others, including some addiction specialists.