Rush Limbaugh Statement on Prescription Pain Medication Stories

PRNewswire (Yahoo) ^ | Friday October 10, 2:55 pm ET | Rush Limbaugh

[ThePythonicCow]

Press Release

Source: Premiere Radio

Rush Limbaugh Statement on Prescription Pain Medication Stories
Friday October 10, 2:55 pm ET

NEW YORK, Oct. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Rush Limbaugh today issued the following statement on his radio program:

"You know I have always tried to be honest with you and open about my life. 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.

"I first started taking prescription painkillers some years ago when my doctor prescribed them to treat post surgical pain following spinal surgery. Unfortunately, the surgery was unsuccessful and I continued to have severe pain in my lower back and also in my neck due to herniated discs. I am still experiencing that pain. Rather than opt for additional surgery for these conditions, I chose to treat the pain with prescribed medication. This medication turned out to be highly addictive.

"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.

"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. The show will continue during this time, of course, with an array of guest hosts you have come to know and respect.

"I am not making any excuses. You know, over the years athletes and celebrities have emerged from treatment centers to great fanfare and praise for conquering great demons. They are said to be great role models and examples for others. Well, I am no role model. I refuse to let anyone think I am doing something great here, when there are people you never hear about, who face long odds and never resort to such escapes. They are the role models. I am no victim and do not portray myself as such. I take full responsibility for my problem.

"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. So I will only say that the stories you have read and heard contain inaccuracies and distortions, which I will clear up when I am free to speak about them.

"I deeply appreciate all your support over this last tumultuous week. It has sustained me. I ask now for your prayers. I look forward to resuming our excursion into broadcast excellence together."

For audio/video clip(s) of Rush Limbaugh's on-air statement, please go to

www.rushlimbaugh.com and/or www.premieretalk.com.

---

Source: Premiere Radio

[discostu]

It might not be noble but it is healthier. Strong pain killers are mostly opiate based, they have a lot of long term sideeffects, they also primarily function by making you too stoned to care about the pain which has it's own potential sideeffects.

[lafroste]

I had hoped he was innocent but even speculating that his audience would wane if it were true brought flames by the millions.

As I stated last week regarding this issue:

If he is a drug addict (which I do not believe, and I know of what I speak) - SO WHAT? He still beats the tar out of the rats. Even if all this were true, would I stop listening? - Not a chance (though I may be emboldened to attempt to correct some minor misconceptions on Rush's part). History is resplendent with great men that had a weakness, they overcame it. Churchill was one of the greatest leaders of the 20th century and was also an alcoholic. What of it? He performed a mighty feat. So what if he did it with a buzz or hangover.

I just hope the republicans decide enough is enough and start fighting these vermin! Rush - Lots of support here and everywhere else for you! Keep your powder dry, and I'll be tuning in...

I see no reason to change that assessment.

[Tempest]

This doesn't make him any less of a good man. It just means that he's suseptible to the same failings as all of us.

I admire his honesty and the work he's done.

[TheOtherOne]

When referring to ILLEGAL drugs, not prescription (LEGAL) drugs.

You are joking right? Buying perscription drugs from your maid without a perscription is most definately illegal.

[Joe Hadenuf]

There were a lot of posters who claimed the story was a lie.

Only an idiot or one with head deep in sand couldn't see there was something to this story.

Rushs first words implied that was something wrong. LOL!

[RightWingMama]

I'd say going deaf is pretty severe punishment, if it is related. Would have been the perfect opportunity for him to exit the public stage and remove the scrutiny that led to this current embarrassment. He stuck around for a reason: to help conservatives win--and it cost him. I'll give the guy a break.

good thought.

[Beck_isright]

Chronic pain, and I'm talking double you over and put you in the fetal position kind of pain, is what some of us deal with. I have no idea about Rush, but if it's neck related, I can empathize. Surgery for herniated discs is about 90% successful according to my surgeon. I fell into the 10%. Although the disc was replaced with bone successfully, the unpredictable happend and the bone calcified putting pressure on my spinal cord. Some days, my hand feels like it is literally on fire and I can not grip anything. Seperate from that my shoulder hurts as I had a procedure which will not provide a permanent cure for the problem. The pills basically numb your nerves so the pain is almost non-existent or dulls out. You don't feel "high" as much as you do sleepy. Some people, who don't need pain pills, but abuse them do get that "high". I don't.

Until another individual walks in Rush's shoes, that person has no clue on how to deal with it. I can empathize completely.

[aruanan]

Liberal Spin: 'Conservative Icon Succumbs to Pain Killers: National Enquirer Vindicated'

Well, given that their poster boy was always telling people how he felt their pain, it's not difficult to imagine that they wouldn't want anyone else to be free from feeling it.

[I still care]

There's a difference between prescription and illegal drugs. People get addicted to prescription pain pills who would never consider going to a dealer and shooting heroin into their veins.

I live with chronic pain. Pain pills are insidious. After all, the bottles say, "as needed". You think, well, I have a high tolerance, or I am a larger size person - I need more. Having to get medication from anyone but his doctor should have been a wakeup call, but he did go into detox twice - trying to do it the easy way without compromising his career. I feel for him.

But Rush has a good perspective on things. He will come through this stronger than ever, and an encouragement to conservatives with drug problems the same way he was to people with disabilities.

[KriegerGeist]

"Jeez...does this mean that his medications caused him to lose his hearing?"

AOS MEETING: Rapid Hearing Loss Observed With Overuse Of Vicodin

LOS ANGELES, CA -- April 26, 1999 -- Researchers report that significant hearing loss is associated with abuse of Vicodin™, which combines the drugs hydocodone and acetampinophen, according to the results of a study presented April 25 at the annual meeting of the American Otological Society, held on April 24-25, at the Marriott’s Desert Springs, Palm Desert, CA.

The combination of hydrocodone and acetampinophen is used commonly to alleviate pain presents side effects similar to other habit forming medications and has the potential for inciting physiologic dependence and tolerance with repeated use. Additional symptoms related to overdose include respiratory depression, hypotension and coma.

Link to Hearing Loss Article

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Thank you. Was a noble admission.

Prayers going out for Rush. It's going to be a long month - for his loyal listeners, too.

[sinkspur]

Kitty Dukakis didn't make a living by belittling the personal crises of others.

When did Rush do that? I've heard him call suicides "cowards", but maybe some of them are, I don't know.

Other than that, what?

[wizzler]

Now, he obviously can't speak because of the legal situation, but I think that is his way of telling us that these were perscribed by a DOCTOR, and the lies about him buying them illegally in parking lots were just that: lies!

This was precisely the kind of thing I was referring to in post #7. Maybe those statements were lies; maybe they were true. The point is that you have no idea. Why you would bother to go out on a limb either way is beyond me.

[MamaB]

Do you mean to imply that you are the perfect person? Just curious!!

[Pan_Yans Wife]

Cindy McCain, too.

[ThePythonicCow]

I thought you were suppose to keep your mouth shut until charges are filed

The investigation and possible charges presumably involve allegations of obtaining the drugs illegally.

Rush only spoke to the point of his using these drugs, which can also be obtained via legal prescription.

He did not comment on nor jeorpardize his legal situation.

[MEG33]

I have a family member with Chronic pain.."triplicate type drug",no high..but enough relief to make it through.It took a long time to find the right one..that neither made them still in severe pain,drowsy all the time,sleepless,or nutty.They have stayed with the same dosage for years.

[RiflemanSharpe]

My prayers go out to Rush and his family.

[Registered]

"I first started taking prescription painkillers some years ago when my doctor prescribed them to treat post surgical pain following spinal surgery"

I thought Rush only had a Pilonidal Cyst? Did he have back surgery in addition to that?

[pgyanke]

He probably committed multiple felonies as a result.

What is it on this site with the rush to judgement? Rush has admitted to no crime and has characterized the stories about him as "distorted". A doctor prescribed the pain pills as an alternative to surgery. He got addicted. He's admitted it and will take care of the problem. Why are we so eager to assume that he is guilty of being a street corner crack dealer?!