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Conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh told his listeners Friday that he is checking himself into a drug rehabilitation center.
Limbaugh says he’s addicted Talk show host admits that he’s being investigated for trying to buy narcotics |
| Oct. 10 — Conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh announced during his radio program Friday that he is addicted to painkillers and is checking into a rehab center to “break the hold this highly addictive medication has on me.” |
“YOU KNOW I have always tried to be honest with you
and open about my life,” Limbaugh said during a stunning admission aired
nationwide. “So I need to tell you today that part of what you have heard and
read is correct. I am addicted to prescription pain medication.”
“Immediately following this broadcast, I am checking myself into a treatment
center for the next 30 days to once and for all break the hold this highly
addictive medication has on me,” he added.
Limbaugh gave up his job as an ESPN sports analyst Oct. 1, three days after
saying on the sports network’s “Sunday NFL Countdown” that Philadelphia Eagles
quarterback Donovan McNabb was overrated because the media wanted to see a black
quarterback succeed.
The reports of possible drug abuse surfaced at about the same time, first in the
National Enquirer. The tabloid had interviewed Wilma Cline, who said she became
Limbaugh’s drug connection after working as his maid. She said Limbaugh had
abused OxyContin and other painkillers. Law enforcement sources who spoke on
condition of anonymity confirmed to The Associated Press that Limbaugh was being
investigated by the Palm Beach County, Fla., state attorney’s office.
“At the present time, the authorities are conducting an investigation, and I
have been asked to limit my public comments until this investigation is
complete,” Limbaugh said Friday. Limbaugh said he started taking painkillers
“some years ago” after a doctor prescribed them following a spinal surgery. His
back pain stemming from the surgery persisted, so Limbaugh said he started
taking pills and became hooked.
“Over the past several years I have tried to break my dependence on pain pills
and, in fact, twice checked myself into medical facilities in an attempt to do
so. I have recently agreed with my physician about the next steps.”