Ep 1. Intake

Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew is a reality television show that documents the journey of several high-profile individuals as they undergo rehabilitation treatment for various addictions. The first season of the show premiered on VH1 in 2008, and the first episode, titled "Intake," focuses on bringing the cast of celebrities together and starting the intake process.

The episode begins with Dr. Drew Pinsky, the show's host and addiction specialist, introducing himself to the cast and explaining the purpose of the show. He stresses the importance of everyone being honest and open about their struggles with addiction, and emphasizes that this is a serious treatment program that requires a commitment to sobriety.

The first order of business is for the cast members to undergo medical and psychological evaluations. Dr. Drew introduces them to medical professionals who will be overseeing their detox process and provides them with a comfortable space to begin the process of detoxification safely. The show offers a raw and gritty look at the first step in the treatment process where the celebrity guests may feel vulnerable and apprehensive, but Dr. Drew promises them that this is the best step for them to take to start their new journey of recovery.

After the medical evaluations, the cast goes through a series of interviews with Dr. Drew and his team of specialists. These interviews serve as a way for the team to get to know the celebrities better and to assess their individual needs for treatment. It also acts as an opportunity for the cast members to vent about their addiction and how it slowly crept into their lives.

One of the most poignant moments of the episode is when actress Brigitte Nielsen first arrives at the facility. She is visibly emotional and overwhelmed, crying as she enters the building. The cameras follow her throughout the intake process, capturing her candid reactions to the treatment program and her addiction. Nielsen speaks candidly about her relationship with alcohol, which she acknowledges as her addiction, one that she has been struggling with for years.

Another moment of intense vulnerability comes from former Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler who speaks about his past drug use and how it contributed to his release from the band. He shares the consequences he experienced due to his drug use and how it has impacted his relationships. Adler's story provides a glimpse into the reality of addiction and the impact it has on the self, and those around them.

Other cast members who found themselves in similar situations were the likes of actor Lorenzo Lamas and former supermodel and Charlie Sheen's ex-wife, Rachel Oberlin, also known as Bree Olson. Lamas talks about how alcohol led to his divorce and how he could have lost the relationship with his sons. Meanwhile, Oberlin shares how she got caught up with drugs while dealing with her sister’s illness and how she's using this opportunity on the show to rediscover herself.

Despite the individual struggles, the cast members quickly bond over their shared experiences, high-profile pasts, and the challenging road to recovery they have embarked on. There is an unexpected, yet not surprising, camaraderie among the cast members and we see them leaning on each other through candid and open conversations. It's these hopeful and encouraging moments on the show that offer viewers something to root for.

“Intake” ends with the cast members reflecting on their first day at the facility and expressing their fears and hopes for the weeks to come as they begin their treatment and therapy sessions. Dr. Drew reminds them of the importance of staying committed to their sobriety and is a beacon of hope for the cast when he assures them everything will work out.

Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew's first episode Intake offered a candid and raw look at the process of addiction rehabilitation and demonstrated the value of receiving professional treatment for addiction. It highlights the reality of addiction and the journey to recovery while offering hope to those struggling with similar issues.