Addiction in Society

Are you saying that "sex addicts" can masturbate occasionally, too? Outrageous! Where will your radical moderation end?

Her romantic life is one of the most chronicled in the world. (DREW BARRYMORE SAYS TONGUE RING SCARES OFF MEN screamed a headline after she dished on Ellen in February.) “She loves being in love and talking about it,” says Juvonen. “She’s like, ‘Can you believe it? He touched my hair!’”

http://www.wmagazine.com/celebrities/2009/04/drew_barrymore?currentPage=6

On not being in a rush to find a mate (9-24-09): “Sexual love is secondary to me right now. I’ve spent a lot of time in my life dedicating myself to love or the pursuit of love or the understanding of love. But for the last few years, my life just hasn’t been about that for me. It’s just not about the mother baggage. It’s not about the boy. It’s about something completely different, and it’s very refreshing. I’m trying to understand it and relish it.”

http://hollywoodcrush.mtv.com/2009/09/24/drew-barrymore-talks-to-parade-...

Teens and young adults can pass through a phase of heavy drinking or drug use and then moderate their usage if they are NOT addicts or alcoholics. Drew may have passed through that type of phase and is not an addict. That does not mean that people who are unable to phase out of their drinking or drug abuse should continue to use. You are taking an example out of context and sending the wrong message to alcoholics and drug addicts that they will at some point be able to use again in safety. Maybe if you had struggled with alcoholism or drug addiction personally you would understand the devastation that it causing and that it is NOT possible to moderate. People who are able to moderate are NOT alcoholics and drug addicts and therefore do not need to go to programs such as A.A. or N.A. You look down upon the fact that they are abstinence based programs, but then use non-alcoholics and drug addicts as examples when talking about these programs as being overly extreme. Why even bother speaking so negatively of these programs that help so many people to recover? If A.A. or N.A. doesn't work for someone then there are other programs- these programs do not claim to be the only way to recover and do not involve themselves in controversy...so why do you continue to involve them so negatively in your blogs?

by every program she consulted (she was taking cocaine regularly at 13, after all) and by tons of recovery experts who commented on her case. So don't blame me - blame your fellow true believers. Here is the standard wisdom on the subject:

Drew Barrymore and Drug Addiction

This WisdomCard features top online resources on this topic

Actress Drew Barrymore's drug addiction began at an early age. Her first experience with drugs was at the age of 10. Barrymore escalated her drug use from marijuana to cocaine.1 Barrymore entered drug rehabilitation for the first time at the age of 14.2 After her third stint in rehab, Barrymore has successfully remained clean.1

Fast Facts:

* Barrymore attempted to commit suicide at the age of 15 by slashing her wrists.1
* Barrymore's famous family has a history of alcoholism and substance abuse.2
* Barrymore wrote about her struggles with alcohol and drugs in her autobiography.2
* Barrymore is one of many celebrities who has battled addiction, see our celebrity addicts slideshow for more.

So it wasn't me who mislabeled her as addicted, buddy - your anger is misdirected. Of course, you are right, this happens to many young people unnecessarily. As to what possible downsides arise from this process, (a) Barrymore attempted suicide after her rehab stint (is that bad enough?), (b) many young people struggle with such labels and self-images, (c) the large, large majority of young people treated this way do not find salvation and eternal happiness, as you fantasize. Read my post on Mackenzie Phillips, who has spent her life resuming drug use after each of her recovery episodes.

Don't forget that her aunt, actress, Diana Barrymore, overdosed and died. D.O.A.

For those who think drug abuse is a joke like perhaps Cameron Diaz... ignore this comment. Note: Diaz was seen smoking a joint with Barrymore a few years ago. Can you name one drug dealer would give Barrymore drugs? Think of Diaz's standards.

Happy, Happy, Day.