Posted on 10/10/2003 12:17:21 PM PDT by ThePythonicCow
Press Release
Source: Premiere Radio |
Rush Limbaugh Statement on Prescription Pain Medication Stories
Friday October 10, 2:55 pm ET
"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.
I just look at this thread as a useful way to flush out some of the idiots and hypocrites who post on this forum. Just imagine a democrat doing what Rush did then picture what these same people's responses would be to it. The double standard exibited is amazing.
No, of course not but in this case the messenger who is in fact a leader is damaged I fear. I regret and am a little resentful he gave our enemies so much ammo. He knew better.
I have to believe that those who are ready for Rush to be prosecuted have never suffered or watched someone agonize every waking moment. It's so easy for them to sit back and pass judgment.
Even though the human inclination for addiction to drugs is similar in drug users, there is a very big difference in setting out to take drugs for kicks and being introduced to them by legal prescription.
What do you want to bet that some of the critics here may someday find themselves in need of chronic pain relief and innocently step foot on the same road as Rush and others like him? Maybe they would sing a different tune and understand how these situations can evolve.
I'm not even close to the first one, but I'll say that the most famous rehab facility in the nation is named The Betty Ford Clinic.
Did Betty Ford ruin the Republican reputation?
You're right. I operating on the assumption that IF he turns out to have acquired them illegally, he's not going to turn himself in, along with the keys to his house, car and any other property he transported or consumed them in.
If he does, he's consistant.
When he's under oath. His radio show is not a deposition, grand jury or witness stand.
You're right, it's not... it's called SLANDER. Can we just wait to hear from the authorities, rather than the National Enquirer, before we pronounce him a street corner crack dealer?
Slander's spoken. You're thinking of libel, legal eagle.
Sorry -- But I don't get my news from the National Enquirer. If you want to believe that Rush has been an addict for years but NEVER broke ANY laws then go ahead.
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