Talecia Bell

In a generation where privacy is limited by the number of social networking sites you belong to, it has become increasingly difficult for some celebrities to hide their struggles with substance abuse.

Before the phenomenon of status updates, photo tags and TMZ, one could keep such practices hidden under the pillow cushions of grandma’s basement couch.

We have publicly watched some of our most beloved celebrities such as Heather Locklear, Marshall “Eminem” Mathers and Lindsay Lohan struggle with sobriety.

It is not surprising to turn on the news, or access your Google newsfeed, and learn about the latest celebrity rehabilitation drama.

While the media counts down the days until the next relapse, who is asking the real questions?

What are the benefits of rehab if we continue to see people, particularly college students, relapsing on drugs and alcohol?

Judy Chouteau, a drug and alcohol abuse counselor for the Mexican American Alcoholism Program in Sacramento, said rehab is where people can go to detox and gain access to resources to work toward staying sober.

Rehab challenges people to face their personal issues without depending on drugs and alcohol to drown them out.

But the clinic cannot guarantee you will stay sober on your own. Once you leave that close group at the clinic, it is often hard to remain sober.

“Going to a rehab clinic and being sober for 90 to 120 days does not mean you are no longer addicted &- rehab does not work that way,” Chouteau said.

Lori Desanto, a detox counselor for the Comprehensive Opiate Recovery Experience Medical Clinic in Sacramento, said rehab is a guide for those struggling with substance abuse.

“Ultimately, (it) is the opportunity to take back your life (and) all the things drugs and alcohol has taken away from you: normalcy, your family, home or a job,” Desanto said.

Although we see other people besides celebrities relapsing after a rehab program, it is not fair to bash them and accuse them of not being serious about rehab. These people might be trying their best and it just isn’t working for them.

If the people you associate with are actively partaking in drug and or alcohol use, you must remove yourself from that circle at least until you have mastered your sobriety. Not doing so may be the difference between staying sober for 12 weeks or 12 months.

We are individually responsible for our own sobriety. Rehab is not a cure to our problems, it is only a tool.

Talecia Bell can be reached at [email protected].