“Mad Men” Actor Jon Hamm Completes 30-Day Rehab

Apparently, “Mad Men” actor Jon Hamm, who plays the hard-drinking Don Draper, has something in common with the character he portrays in the popular AMC television show. News of the actor’s rehab, supported by his life partner, actress and filmmaker Jennifer Westfeldt, comes just as the 1960’s advertising agency drama launches its final season starting April 5. Few details have been announced, as the couple has asked for privacy regarding the treatment. TMZ first broke the news about Hamm’s rehab, reporting that he checked himself into Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, Connecticut, in February.  Hamm’s publicist has issued a brief statement, which asks for “sensitivity going forward.” Hamm recently appeared on the “Today” show along with other stars of the series, but the topic of conversation had everything to do with Don Draper’s fate and nothing to do with Hamm’s treatment.

Hamm’s Role As Don Draper Prompted Celebrity Status

Although Hamm has appeared in numerous television shows over the years, his characterization of Draper solidified his reputation as an actor. He received a coveted Golden Globe award for the role in 2008. He has received repeated nominations for an Emmy, but has not yet won. On the show, Draper has an obscure past. Part of the show’s intrigue has involved unraveling the mystery of his true identity. He often displays erratic behavior and engages in numerous sexual escapades. As a result, his relationships are tenuous and complicated. On the job as an advertising executive, Draper is both talented and conflicted. Although highly successful in managing major advertising clients and intuitive regarding consumers and what they want, his personal life is filled with stress, often brought about by his own moodiness and troublesome behavior. He eventually develops signs of alcoholism, which threatens his job. He signs a sobriety stipulation in a business contract, but is unable to stop relying on alcohol to ease his emotional pain. As television viewers eagerly await developments in the new and final season, they no doubt also will be watching and listening for details of Hamm’s rehab treatment.

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3 Celebrities Who Didn’t Let Addiction Control Their Lives

Often, when we think of celebrity life, we see a fairy tale. It looks so smooth. Why not – when they are driving the latest luxury cars and living in expensive mansions. However, celebrity life off the big screens can be almost impossible. You are expected to be a role model, to be perfect. Yet, how do you be so spotless when you’re just human?

Drugs are one of the things that don’t distinguish between celebrities and the rest; they attack you regardless of your social class.

We know of a few celebrities who have died following medical complications directly related to their addiction. For example, who doesn’t know that Phillip Seymour Hoffman who was a famous actor died from an overdose of heroine? Other celebrities are taking control – or at least trying to. Here are 3 celebs who aren’t letting addiction ruin their careers and most importantly their lives.

Lindsay Lohan

We all know LiLo, the famous actress. But most of us dint know about her struggles with drug and alcohol abuse until we watched the Oprah Show, right?

Lindsay recalls how difficult it has been, recounting that she’s been to rehab six times and even gone to jail once. She has been arrested for drunk driving twice and has been involved in car accidents 7 times. Still, she is adamant that she will one day win the battle against these troubles.

Demi Lovato

Following the death of Hoffman, Demi Lovato, a renowned singer and actress came out to shed light on her own troubles with drugs. Speaking to Extra, the actress said’ “People don’t take it as seriously as it really is.” She even labeled addiction a disease calling on people to find compassion for it. Lovato previously struggled with cocaine addiction.

Charlie Sheen

Charlie was arrested for marijuana possession at the age of 16. Yet, look at him now; do you see marijuana controlling him? No. In fact, he has outlived the drug and is now recognized as one of the most successful actors in the U.S.A.

As you can see, celebrity substance abuse does exist. The only difference is that these people realize what is at stake and get on the way to recovery early. That’s what we all need to do.

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May Your Troubled Soul Rest in Peace, Robin Williams

Robin Williams touched our lives. Through generations of entertainment, he earned our admiration and our respect. He earned our devotion and our affection. He brought us laughter, and he induced our tears. He brought wisdom, and he brought hope.

On August 11, 2014, he brought us despair, and he left us with questions, so very many questions. They are questions without answers.

Family, friends, and worldwide admirers never will know the last thoughts, the last feelings, that drove him to commit his final fatal act. This is the agonizing truth of any suicide. We are left wounded and distraught. We so fiercely want answers.

Instead of answers, we have a legacy. We have a timeless treasure trove of comedy and drama performed over decades by one of the greatest talents in the entertainment industry. As soon as news broke that Williams had hanged himself, social media and newscasts exploded not only with reactions to his death, but also with clips of sentimental favorite performances. No doubt, those clips will be in the forefront in days and weeks to come. They give us a way to keep him close, to hold his memory dear. They keep his spirit alive as we deal with our shock and grief.

Actor Brought Social Issues to Forefront

In some of his more notable roles, Robin Williams brought attention to serious societal issues – homelessness in “The Fisher King,” war and censorship in “Good Morning, Vietnam,” gender identity in “The Birdcage,” domestic violence in “Good Will Hunting.” In real life, Williams, without fanfare and without a desire for publicity, supported his own personal passions – the San Diego-based Challenged Athletes Foundation and the National Coalition for the Homeless. In many photos of his acting roles and of his charitable work, his eyes make no secret of his vulnerability and compassion. It may be this very sensitivity — the extreme sensitivity of those dealing with depression and addiction — that turned into one of his demons.

Suicide Opens Door To Discussions Of Depression and Substance Abuse

If good can come from this tragedy, it is open discussions that have arisen about the diseases of depression, bipolar disorder and addiction. Despite medical advances and social awareness, these diseases still bear a stigma. Sufferers and their loved ones often go to any lengths to hide their guilt and shame. People in the substance abuse recovery community understand those feelings. We understand the torment of a mind that tells lies of unworthiness; we understand the depths of despair. While we will never know the innermost self of Robin Williams, we get him. We get him, and we can share our experience, strength and hope with others as a way to honor our brother whose diseases drove him to his tragic end.

 

Cory Monteith Emmy Tribute Shines Spotlight On Addiction And Treatment

The television industry took time to remember the late Cory Monteith at the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards. Glee costar Jane Lynch described the late actor, who died in July at age 31 from a drug overdose, as a “beautiful soul.” She commented that his death was “tragic reminder of the rapacious, senseless destruction that is brought on by addiction.”

Despite his obvious talent and the warmth and wonderful sense of humor that friends and family will always remember about him, Monteith also struggled with a disease that took his life. He had sought addiction treatment more than once during his life. As a chronic illness, it needs to be constantly monitored for signs of relapse. Monteith’s tragic death shines a light on the issue of addiction and underlines the need to seek help immediately.

Effective Inpatient Addiction Treatment

Are you looking at long term vs. short term rehab for yourself or a loved one? Long term rehabilitation treatment involves a 90-day stay at an inpatient facility. During this time, you can focus your attention on getting well.

No two people seeking help for addiction are exactly the same. Each person’s treatment needs are evaluated, and in some instances, a short-term 14-28 day treatment program may be recommended. There is no quick-fix to deal with the issues around addiction, but some clients can benefit from this type of program.

Short term drug rehab treatment may be recommended when a client cannot be admitted into a program for 90 days due to work or family obligations. It may also be appropriate for a client who has been treated at an inpatient facility previously.

Customized Approach To Treatment

Each client entering a drug and alcohol treatment program for a short-term program will be given an individualized course of treatment. It will include attending 12-step program meetings, as well as:

  • Individual therapy sessions
  • Group therapy
  • One-on-one counseling
  • Life skills instruction
  • Education about addiction

The program also includes physical exercise, including hiking, nature walks, and yoga. Proper nutrition is important for clients in recovery, and they receive instruction on how to eat well.

Family Support During Addiction Treatment

Family support is important to help clients achieve long-term sobriety, and the Above It All Treatment Center includes them in this process. Through family sessions, they can share their feelings about addiction and understand the disease known as addiction. Everyone can help to move forward together to present a united front to help provide support once you or your loved one leaves the treatment program.

Above It All in Lake Arrowhead offers short and long-term rehab treatment programs for drug and alcohol addiction. Our experienced staff can help you or your loved one find the right path to long-term sobriety.

Naveen Andrews Talks About Sober Living, Role As Princess Diana’s Lost Love

Actor Naveen Andrews is familiar to fans of the television program, “Lost.” In his latest film, “Diana,” he takes on the role of Pakistani heart surgeon Dr. Hasnat Khan opposite Naomi Watts in the title role. The movie, which is based on Kate Snell’s book, “Diana: Her Last Love,” tells the story of the late Princess of Wales’ romantic relationship with the doctor.

In an interview to promote the film, Andrews was also candid about his alcoholism and history of heroin abuse. He is now living a sober life and says that he feels relieved that he “has found a way to function without those things.”

Sober Living Part Of Addiction Treatment Process

For addicts, there is no such thing as being “finished” or “cured.” When someone enters a treatment facility, it is the first step in the journey to deal with this complicated disease. A client may need to go through detox before starting an individualized course of treatment, which may include attending 12-step program meetings, participating in equine therapy sessions, or learning ways to cope with stress. Once this phase of treatment is completed, follow-up care at the Above It All sober living house can be arranged to provide support to clients.

Support Needed For Transition To Independent Living

Part of the addiction treatment process involves giving clients the tools they need to deal with triggers that will stimulate the urge to drink or use drugs. The Above It All Treatment Center sober living home gives clients a safe, supportive place to stay in the early days of recovery, when they are most vulnerable to these types of cravings.

Guests pay their rent every month, in advance. This amount also includes the services of a driver to take them to their 12-step meetings.

There is no time limit imposed on how long a guest can choose to stay at the sober living house. A typical stay is between two and three months, but a person may decide to stay for a shorter or longer time. As long as a guest follows the program rules, he or she is welcome to stay in the house.

Insurance Coverage for Stay In Sober Living House

Health insurance coverage may be available for addiction treatment, which includes the stay in a sober living house. Our services are covered by a number of major health insurance providers.

Making the transition to find a way to function without drugs and alcohol is not something that can be done overnight. It requires a series of steps, and constant vigilance to maintain lifelong sobriety. All the elements of the treatment plan, including the sober living house, have an important role to play to help clients achieve their goal of getting (and staying) clean and sober.

Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler’s Addiction Battle

Grammy-award winning front man and ex-American Idol judge Steven Tyler has spoken candidly regarding his past addiction troubles, stating, “I lost everything”.

The Aerosmith singer has undergone a variety of rehab stints over the years, most recently in 2009 to combat a nasty painkiller addiction.

“My sobriety cost me nothing less than everything. I lost everything. It’s serious. It’s serious when you lose your kids…your wife, your band, your job and you’ll never understand why because you’re an addict. You can’t figure that out…” says Tyler.

Tyler also told of the impact the addiction had on his relationship with his kids, stating, “Two of them never saw me high until about seven years ago. I had a bunch of operations and simply didn’t follow my program, and I kept drugs by the side of my bed so I just did more instead of doing what was prescribed. Remember, I’m a very good drug ‘addict’ because I’ve done it for so many years.”

“You also could say I snorted half of Peru,” Tyler joked with Howard Stern this past July.

The singer’s most recent battle with addiction was triggered by a literal fall off the stage in late 2009, prompting Aerosmith to cancel a series of scheduled tour stops. The future of the band, namely Tyler’s involvement, was ultimately brought into question as he took a well-publicized break from the group.

“Drugs took me down,” the singer admitted. “Yes it got us through the 70’s. If it wasn’t for Peruvian marching powder, we wouldn’t have been able to do what we did. From the ‘70s to ’79, we played every state except Alaska and Hawaii.”

What Steven was able to communicate to his fans was this: The road from rock bottom to sobriety is a long one indeed. Though the glitz and glam of drugs and alcohol may seem appealing to some, the reality is truly haunting.

“There’s three things that happen to you when you’re addicted to drugs after they take hold,” says Tyler, “is death, jail and insanity. And I can’t preach that enough. The only reason I ‘wound’ up in rehab is because I used to the point of falling down. My kids tell me, ‘Daddy, I don’t know who you are anymore.’ Wives leave, bands break up, and it’s really a one-way street.”

Need Help?

Researching substance abuse facilities? Contact Above It All Treatment Center today! With a team of seasoned addiction and recovery professionals available to assess and address your individual needs, you can count on Above It All to have you smiling, healthy and on the fast track to recovery in no time. Call today for more information!