Former Jackass star and resident daredevil Steve-O has not had the best couple of years.    A high profile arrest and a stint in drug rehab left the personable pseudo-athlete wondering where his career would take him next.

Now, Steve-O appears to have a second chance in one of the most unlikely places - TV’s megahit, Dancing with the Stars.

Steve-O joins an ecletic cast of A-list, B-list and C-list stars on this year’s show which features other celebs in need of a career turnaround.  Rapper Lil’ Kim is a contestant fresh off her jail sentence for lying to a grand jury.

When Steve-O is perfoming with his jackass pals he is putting his body in harms way every episode.  This kind of behavior has led other stars who enjoyed prat falls into drug or alcohol rehab - including Chevy Chase during the late 1970’s and early 1980’s.

Steve-O has already spoken publicly that he hopes his presence on the show lets his fans know that he has overcome his issues with the help of a qualified drug rehab program and that his best years are still ahead of him.

Certainly if there was anyone in Los Angles who had a right to be an angry individual it would be Rodney King.  The man suffered unmercifully at the hands of the LAPD in an event that touched off the 1992 riots which set the city ablaze.

But King has forgiven those who beat him - making peace with his oppressors and finding peace in the process.  One wonders if such an admission would be possible were it not for the journey to and from drug addiction that Mr. King has endured over the course of the past decade.

His full statement of forgiveness came before a worldwide television audience on the VH1 Celeb-reality show Sober Living.  (Click here to see the video.)  In a genre filled with little substance - and even less sincerity - this moment may indeed be one of the most heartfelt in reality TV history.

Rodney King has spent the past 15 years in and out of both jail and drug rehab.  He has experienced success in addiction treatment on various occasions, but relapsed several times as well.  His appearance on Sober House provides some hope that he has finally turned a corner in terms of his recovery.

For anyone suffering with an alcohol addiction or drug addiction - reach out to an addiction treatment facility in your area.  Even if all hope seems lost, the caring individuals at these rehab centers can find a way to insert hope back into your life.

One of the most serious issues pertaining to medical treatment in the United States concerns doctors who have developed a drug addiction, yet continue to provide care to their patients without receiving proper treatment themselves.  For years, this problem went unchecked in the medical community, as doctors were allowed to the patients’ lives at risk - while falling deeper and deeper into the cycle of addiction.

Hope came in the form of a new treatment approach to drug addicted doctors - one that focused on long-term care and high levels of accountability should the problem persist.

As a result of this unique approach (not quite punishment, not quite drug rehab), the percentage of doctors who are addicted to drugs has begun to decrease for the first time in many years.

According to a recent survey published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, over three-quarters of all doctors who entered this long-term treatment program have remained drug-free for over five years.   That speaks volumes for a non-traditional treatment style that combines counseling with a zero-tolerance approach to drug use on the job (physicians can lose their licesnse if testing positive during the program).

One of the more positive aspects of the survey was that the numbers held true across a wide variety of addictions - including crystal meth, cocaine, prescription painkillers and alcohol.

If you, or someone you know has developed a drug addiction, it is important to contact a drug rehab program immediately.  Through detox and counseling, drug rehab helps treat drug addiction at the core - and helps individuals discover the strategies needed to live a sober life.

Commonly, individuals with a drug addiction see their problem get worse because they live with it in isolation.  They are too ashamed or unwilling to reach out for help from the very people who can help them get things turned out.  The following represent the important people who can help provide support and information at a time when drug addiction has left you at your lowest point.

#1.  A member of the clergy.  People of faith often turn to their local clergyman for support and guidance when suffering with a drug addiction.  Most priests, rabbis, pastors or other religious leaders are well-versed drug addiction recovery and can not only help the individual find strength during this difficult time- but also advise them on a number of faith-based initiatives that help recovering addicts.

#2.  A member of the family. While many individuals turn to drugs as a means of coping with family problems, parents and siblings are still the best support structure an individual can have.  Family offers unconditional love and support - and can be the missing link between the individual and the addiction treatment program they so desperately need.

#3. A doctor.   If there’s one person from whom you cannot hide the symptoms of a drug addiction it is your personal physician.  Even if your doctor does not specialize in detox or other forms of drug-related care, they are still an invaluable resource in terms of how to improve your physical health during recovery and addiction treatment programs that may be appropriate.

#4. A psychiatric professional.  Certainly the most logical choice in terms of speaking with someone about an addiction.  Psychiatrists and therapists not only maintain a strict confidentiality with their patients, but they are also most likely to be “in the know” about the latest treatment modalities and the best programs in the area.

#5. Yourself. Individuals with a drug addiction are often unwilling to admit that they have a problem.  This deep state of denial keeps them from reaching out and seeking help.  It keeps them from finding the perfect drug rehab problem.  And most importantly, it keeps them slipping further and further down into the addiction cycle.

The bottom line:  as isolating an experience as drug addiction is, you are not alone!  There are a number of people ready and willing to listen and help steer you towards a life-saving drug rehab program.

When it comes to the Osbourne family and drug rehab, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.  Such is the case with Kelly Osbourne who recently checked back into rehab for the third time.

Kelly allegedly was forced to re-enter rehab when she slipped back in London’s party lifestyle - indulging in large amounts of pills and alcohol.

Kelly’s mother Sharon is behind the decision, “She knew that it was the right thing to do at this point and we’re proud that she did it. The family is all standing behind her. Kelly knew that she needed help and she’s getting it.”

Ozzy Osbourne, a man who knows the inside of a drug and alcohol rehab facility all too well, has sent his daughter to the same residential Oregon facility where he got clean.  The treatment centers features a “boot camp” style and none of the luxuries that many celebrities insist upon when they enter addiction treatment.

You don’t have to be a celebrity to seek help for an alcohol or drug addiction.  There’s a drug rehab program in your area that treats everyone the same - as a person who has seen their life turned upside-down by substance abuse, and is reaching out for the quality care that only professionals at a treatment program can provide.

Recent news out of Mexico is not good.  Experts agree that unless something is done to turn the tide, the country that borders the United States to the south may become a “narco-state”, run by drug cartels instead of government officials and overrun by drug addicted individuals.

And while the drug wars of Mexico are well documented, less is known about the high rates of drug addiction that are currently consuming the country.

Consider the following statistics put forth by experts in the United States government:

• Since the year 2002, chronic drug use among the citizens of Mexico has nearly doubled - now affecting over 500,000 across the country.
• 5% of the population (over 3.5 million people) report having used drugs in the past year.
• Cocaine addiction rates have risen 30% since 2002
• Also in that time frame, drug addiction rates among women and children age 12 to 17 have more than doubled.

Mexico is at a disadvantage in terms of drug treatment programs.  There are nowhere near the number of facilities available to Mexicans that Americans enjoy throughout the country.  This is especially true in poor areas where the drug use rates are at their highest.

A significant jump in crime rates have accompanied this increase in drug use.  American tourists are robbed or worse with regularity, which along with the troubled economy in the U.S. has all but crippled the industry.

Mexico is in need of a non-corrupt government that is dedicated to educating the populace about the dangers of drug abuse.  This will turn the tide and hopefully begin to create a demand for drug rehab facilities that are accessible to all socio-economic groups within the country.

Until that day arrives, one can only hope for a miracle to turns things around in the diverse, beautiful country of Mexico,

While you obviously can’t put a price on recovery from drug addiction, the fact is that drug rehab costs money.  In some cases a LOT of money.  And while more and more insurance carriers and employers are covering the cost of treatment, it is still important to know what you’re getting into before you sign up.

The following is by no means the end-all-be-all of drug rehab price guides, but it will provide enough information so that you don’t end up with a massive debt to go along with your new found sobriety.

The Cost of Outpatient Drug Rehab

A month-long outpatient drug rehab program generally costs in the vicinity of $3,000 to $12,000.  While that is a fairly large price range, there are several factors which help determine the cost:

• Length of stay
• Geographic area (New York, LA and other major urban areas tend to run higher)
• The types and number of programs included in the plan

The Cost of Residential Drug Rehab

It should come as no surprise that residential addiction treatment costs more than outpatient care.  Simply put, these facilities have more overhead - including staff, cuisine, etc. - and therefore run higher.  The average cost of residential rehab is between $7,500 and $35,000 for a month-long stay.  The higher of these prices tend to be for luxury drug rehab facilities located in scenic locales such as Malibu, California and Park City, Utah.

There is a price to be paid for drug rehab, but the benefits can be invaluble.  Finding a drug rehab program that meets your needs can help you find sobriety and learn how to master the tools that will help you live a happy, fulfilling life.

Riding the success of the strangely compelling Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew, cable network VH1 has launched a spin-off of the show, Celebrity Rehab Presents Sober House.

As the name might indicate, the reality show focuses on a group of celebrities who have completed an alcohol rehab or drug rehab program and move into a sober living facility in an effort to prepare them for life in the real world (no pun intended).

The stars of the inaugural season of Sober House include:

• Steven Adler.  Former Guns n Roses band member and recent graduate of season two of Celebrity Rehab.
• Seth “Shifty” Binzer.  Lead singer of the rock band Crazy Town and a graduate of the first season of Celebrity Rehab.
• Andy Dick.  Comedian and recovering addict best town for his recent beating at the hands of fellow-comedian Jon Lovitz in Los Angeles.
• Mary Carey.  Former adult film star who ran for Governor of California against Arnold Schwarzenegger.
• Rodney King.  Another Celebrity Rehab graduate who has battled drug and alcohol addiction since his famous turn and plea for calm during the 1992 Los Angeles riots.

By all accounts, the shows seems to capture the struggles of those who complete drug rehab only to find themselves cast back out into a world filled with distractions and temptation.  We hope that the program does a good job of pointing out the importance of sober living, and how it has helped thousands of people regain their sense of responsbility and self-confidence.

With our media outlets focused on celebrities and public figures who slip into trouble due to drug addiction, it isn’t often that we get a chance to hear about a real-life drug rehab success story from an ordinary person just like you and me.

In this case, a big thank you should go out to ABC, who reported this week on the story of Delora Evans, a former crack cocaine addict who recently completed her long journey to sobriety and success by receiving her college degree.

It is hard to imagine anyone standing on stage with Delora at the University of North Texas graduation ceremony who traveled further in their lives to get there.

In the 1990’s Delora went from habitual marijuana smoker to full-on crack addict in as much time as her took her to take one puff on the crack pipe.

Problems with family and the law soon followed, and although she was mother to three children, she was evenutally sent to jail for drug-related crimes.  While under arrest, she gave birth to her fourth child, and became a drug counselor to other inmates struggling with addiction.

She entered drug rehab upon her release and learned the skills she needed to do something truly positive with her life.

Through drug counseling, Delora saw an opportunity to turn her life around.  Upon release from jail, she began her life a new, devoting everything to her education and her family.

Now, Delora has a degree in rehabilitation counseling, and is the mother of four happy children.  A drug rehab program worked for her, just as it can for anyone you know who is struggling with addiction or substance abuse.

Residential drug rehab isn’t right for everyone.  There are certainly those with a drug addiction who can benefit from the day-in/night-at-home structure of an outpatient program and still achieve recovery.  However, if one of the following people sounds like you, or someone you know, it might be time to consider a residential drug rehab program.

1. Those who have tried outpatient drug rehab and relapsed
2. Those who find that combination of 12-step programs such as AA and outpatient treatment just isn’t doing the trick
3. Those who have co-occurring medical problems that require constant medical care
4. Those who experience too much temptation or too many distractions in their home environment
5. Those who need solitude in order to focus solely on their recovery
6. Those who are addicted to more than one drug, or drugs and alcohol at the same time
7. Those with a dual diagnosis of a mental illness and an addiction
8. Those who are concerned that they may be a direct danger to themselves or others
9. Those who want to take a more comprehensive approach to drug addiction treatment
10. Those who require the additional structure that residential drug rehab can offer

If you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction, and requires the highest levels of treatment available, contact a resdidntial drug rehab facility today.  The caring professionals at these facilities will be able to provide a complete treatment plan that breaks the cycle of addiction.