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

[Pyro7480]

As predicted, the DUmmies are going to new lows with this. They're calling dittoheads hypocrites. They are the real hypocrites.

[js1138]

The first time a Leftist sewer diver begins to gloat, remind them of JFK.

What of the consequenses of an off day at the microphone, compared to being hopped up on speed during the Cuban missile crisis, and being Commannder-In-Chief?

[Fester Chugabrew]

"All of us are fallible, every single one, no matter how mighty or lowly . . ."

Very true. In the end charity and mercy are very much needed. If any one of us were to be stripped bare for all the world to see how "moral" we are it would not be pretty.

[goldstategop]

Liberals are the ones who think we should just lie about it and pretend it doesn't exist. They're their ones who always seek to sugarcoat reality.

[Protagoras]

It wouldn't surprise me if the pain medications were related to the hearing loss.

Perhaps weight loss too.

[Callahan]

I'm sure that the Enquirer's version is exaggerated to some degree.

[Beck_isright]

wizzler wrote:

"I wonder who will be the first poster here to suggest we "pray" for Rush Limbaugh.

I wonder who will be the first poster here to say, "OK, I was wrong last week when I said the media was lying -- so he IS addicted to painkillers."

I wonder who will be the first poster here to wonder how this affects Republican politics, etc."

I wonder who the first poster will be to do the best imitation of a hateful, mean spirited liberal who hates one of the historically great conservatives who helped save a floundering movement and kept it alive during the dark years of the Clinton adminstrtation.

[LanPB01]

I read some of Rush's quotes about drug users. Not very nice.

[Catspaw]

I'm disappointed, but not surprised.

He does have a tough row to hoe in rehab. Addiction is a great equalizer.

[Recovering_Democrat]

WASN'T KITTY DUKAKIS ADDICTED TO PRESCRIPTION PILLS? AND SHE WASN'T RIPPED BY THE PRESS!

[lawdude]

"Rush himself has said as much about drug users."

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

[pgyanke]

Wonder who will be the first poster here to step on his wizzler on a thread displaying the class and professionalism of a great American?

[jwalburg]

I think those who live with daily pain are noble!

[truthandjustice1]

All of us are fallible, every single one, no matter how mighty or lowly.....

from your lips to God's ear.

[onyx]

and you have mail :-)

[ReleaseTheHounds]

Gee, I wonder what the amazing wissler thinks about this?

This sounds like a "stand-up" move on Rush's part -- again, he's not claiming "victim" status, and he's not looking for "admiration"... he's taking personal responsibility which is the "adult" thing to do.

We will all wait with baited breath for the Democrats to come after him like the pack of hounds that they are, whenever a Republican is "down" or "exposed." I've seen what addiction can do to a person, and it isn't pretty. Good for Rush for stepping up and doing what he has to. It will be a huge challenge but I suspect he has the strength and fortitude to see it through. More than I can say for most Dems addicted to their statist programs, victomology, and politics of personal destruction.

[Protagoras]

I'm sure that the Enquirer's version is exaggerated to some degree.

It would surprise me only if it wasn't. But that isn't what was being said here.

[ThePythonicCow]

I'm sure that the Enquirer's version is exaggerated to some degree.

Rush's own words seem to agree with this:

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.

[LPM1888]

When he comes back.. . . Stand by for heavy rolls. You have 30 days to bash, pile on or what ever you want to do. Rush will be loaded for bear.

That remains to be seen; many addicts lose their "edge" after rehab. That often causes a relapse of their addiction.

[yhwhsman]

Anyone ever take an oxy on this board? or a number of them?

I have, following the amputation of my right foot. Was on a morphine pump while in the hospital as well. I was rather disappointed that I didn't see 'all the pretty colors'. Couldn't understand why people would be addicted to these things, but my doctor explained that if you really need them you won't get addicted to them.