(antiMusic) Vh1's focus on "celebreality" is scrapping the bottom of the barrel as they have just announced a celebrity rehab show. Who needs "Behind the Music" when you can watch c and d-list celebs battle addiction! (Pete Doherty isn't in the cast.) Maybe they will do a celebrity abortion show next? Here is the press release: VH1 has partnered with Dr. Drew for the reality series "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew." The project, consisting of eight one-hour episodes, is slated to premiere on January 10, 2008 at 10pm*.This series will follow the real-life experiences of Brigitte Nielsen, Chyna, Daniel Baldwin, Jeff Conaway, Jessica Sierra, Jaimee Foxworth, Seth "Shifty" Binzer, Mary Carey, and Ricco Rodriguez as they undergo detoxification and treatment at a center in the Los Angeles area. While these celebrity patients may be accustomed to receiving special treatment in their everyday lives, they were in for a major surprise when they
entered this no- frills treatment facility. Dr. Drew was aided in the process by his experienced and trusted staff of counselors, including registered nurses and other addiction experts.
In a television first, the highly respected Dr. Drew, a practicing MD and assistant clinical professor at KECK USC School of Medicine, will give viewers an unflinching look at exactly how the rehab process works and what it feels like for participants. Dr. Drew hopes to use his celebrity patients to humanize the process and show viewers that treatment is a viable way to break the cycle of addiction. "The road to sobriety is not
easy and rehabilitation and the recovery process are not to be taken lightly," said Dr. Drew Pinsky. "My goal is to lift the veil and help my patients, as well as viewers, understand that if not taken seriously, addiction is a disease that will kill you."
"This project will reveal that true rehabilitation is grueling work and takes an ongoing commitment. At the same time, we hope to demystify the process and encourage people with substance issues to explore rehab as a viable option," said Michael Hirschorn, Executive Vice President, Original Programming and Production, VH1. "There is no one better than Dr. Drew to deal with this topic honestly while assisting people who truly need his expertise and guidance."