So, first reality shows take “television personalities” and throw them onto reality themed shows fueled with alcohol, crude sex, and almost every other vice to profit off of those already addicts and alcoholics, or set the stage to create a serious addiction to those vulnerable to this serious disease. Sensationalism and morbidly embarrassing acts done under the influence…”what?” “Makes good entertainment”. I have heard the producers of such shows say the “non actors” of these reality based series are also happy for they are there to profit financially. It is almost some odd consolation prize after humiliating them for life, jeopardizing their relationships, family, most of all their health all for the price of fame? Being famous for what?…being filmed at one’s very worst as a means to profit at the expense of their health, the stability of their relationships in “real life”, as well their reputations and any future of a career as a ligament actor.

But OH! In comes the doctor, ironically picking up a few of the same “television personalities” off these same shows, that aired on the same channel! I would LOVE to feel that VH1 was taking some role of responsibility, stepping up to the plate for much of what they had their hands in creating. I think Dr. Drew Pinsky means well, and has that dreamy caring and disarming personality, that potentially, in the right setting these people could really get some amazing treatment!

I feel so grateful to say that it is now ten years since anorexia nearly claimed my life and daily I work my recovery. When I saw someone dear to me suffering from alcoholism, I dropped everything else important to me at that time and put his recovery my only goal or life’s importance. It took two years and several recovery programs, and I would not take back one moment or regret that time spent. School and career dreams would wait, this person I grew to love, this disease could not be “put on hold”. Daily I’m still learning…but found a few things to be true. To get “sober” or end addictive behavior, one has to give up control, let go of ego, and live off faith letting go of fear. Since many television shows are ego based, they are probably not a very appropriate place in feel completely safe in opening up one’s greatest nightmares, and “inner demons” of past trauma. Nor do I feel that proffiting off other’s past and present pain, is at all ethical! (I may not have gotten the Notice, but?!?) When were directors given the right to play “God” with people’s lives?

Finally, and most importantly, One has to be willing to surrender and give up the addiction for themselves, for that inner person that stopped growing when the addiction began. To get back to the wounded soul inside, to nurture, to find self worth, along with the hope and faith to build the spirit! Who one surrounds themselves with is also vitally important, that they are also supportive, encouraging and believe in your ability to live a life free of addiction.

It is true that many addicts have huge personalities or egos that make for great television. But in truth I have found many of these people had very little or no connection to themselves apart from their tv roles, nor developed a real sense of self esteem. I have had the honor to meet and spend time with a few of the people mentioned, and can definitely say that they are worth experiencing a lifetime full of bountiful health, happiness, and success…but my wishes for them cannot make their decision to change. If one does not think they are worth it, please try wishing or praying to feel worth it. Frustrating and crushing, no one can chose recovery for another individual. They can only go to support groups such as Alanon that teach the individual how not to enable the addict.

Finally, when someone does chose to take that path toward sober living, it is by far not an easy one. But the freedom from the vice, the honesty and level of intimacy that can be found or restored with one’s mate and loved ones, the strength in healing old wounds and feeling strong without the need of a substance are gifts from recovery. And in recovery, one seems to find that some of life’s most cherished gifts and meaningful experiences, come not later listed on as a tv credit or as a paycheck. True gifts, often need not be asked for, nor do they hold a price tag.

Bottom line, one must recover for themselves, not for their mate, not for their family, they have to want to do it for themselves, and ESPECIALLY NOT FOR A TELEVISION SHOW!!!

Blessings to those mentioned! You can do it! Well Wishes to all out there also suffering this morbid disease. There are people and resources out there that want to help you, for free.

Sincerely, humbly, GG.