CELEBRITY ADDICTION STORY OFFERS RECOVERY LESSONS

Whether you follow celebrity news or just read the Sunday New York Times, the story of Cameron Douglas has been hard to miss.

The son of Michael Douglas and grandson of Kirk Douglas is telling the story of his addiction. From a Hollywood upbringing to a prison cell and now to TV stories and newspaper articles, Cameron Douglas and his family have been through an ordeal familiar to many.

After working with celebrities struggling with addiction, along with others who seemingly “had everything” before the disease reared its head, there is much to be learned from celebrities and their families who have been able to move forward toward recovery.

First, clients need an advocate, especially in a hospital setting. That is what a concierge therapist should be. In a hospital, generally speaking, the name on the chart doesn’t matter as much as having someone at the patient’s side looking out for them in ways that doctors and nurses simply can’t.

And, importantly, outside the hospital, for celebrities or anyone facing addiction, traditional once a week therapy simply does not work. The disease, on its own, is too complex. The personal and professional circumstances of being well-known make it even more so. There is a systemic approach to recovery and it requires time, attention and often, attention to detail that would be missed if there are six days in between therapist-client contact.

During much of the Douglas ordeal, the public was unaware of what was happening. That is, in part, a credit to therapists who kept the family matters confidential, which is imperative in every situation, no matter the temptation.

Today, Cameron Douglas tells a story of hope and optimism. That is what we strive for, whenever possible, in recovery.