by Angie Barron

Created on: January 24, 2009

Celebrity rehabs may be great for detox, but not so effective when it comes to long term success. The five star spas used as drug rehabilitation for Hollywood A listers are a great place for young stars to relax, unwind and clean out their emaciated bodies for a while. The problem is that the whole experience is no more effective than a b12 shot for a workaholic. All it does is energize the celeb for long enough for them to burst right back in to the party scene. I personally think a better question would be; Why isn't every celebrity an addict? I couldn't imagine trying to live a straight and healthy life in the midst of drugs, glitter and Paris Hilton. I might need a little push just to get me through dinner.

I understand the plight of the paparazzi to a certain degree but I do wish they could take a step behind the ethical line sometimes. Sure drug addiction is a great story but it's also a pretty serious and devastating thing no matter how much money you have. I do believe that living in the public eye makes it harder for stars to be successful in their road to recovery. However, I also believe that the majority of these celebrities are a little less than dedicated to their treatment. If a star goes back to their party lifestyle after graduating from their twelve step program the flashing cameras are probably not to blame. If anything, seeing yourself drunk and half naked with your mascara running down to you belly button on TMZ may actually help these people recognize themselves as an addict sooner than the average person. I know I would think twice about the third Appletini if I saw my girly parts plastered all over the newsstand and gossip blogs everywhere.

Do the paparazzi go to far? Yes, it's their jobs to do so no matter how morally and ethically questionable it may be. The bottom line is that a celebrity addict, is just an addict. They need to be determined and focus on their treatment and if they are, then the cameras won't stop them. It's hard to think of the rich and famous as being just like you and I and there's a reason for this. They are not like you and I. They are different, very different. So when we think about what it must be like to be them we are waisting our time. I am not going to sit here and wonder how I would feel if my trip to rehab was televised because I am not Lindsay Lohan. I have not had every second of my life and career documented and played on E!. These people live in another world and we can't possibly identify.

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