King of rightwing radio addicted to 'hillbilly heroin'
Julian Borger in Washington
Published onFri 10 Oct 2003 21.45 EDT
168
The confession came days after the tabloid revelations of a former maid who claimed she bought thousands of prescription pills on the black market for Mr Limbaugh, and the confirmation by the police near his Florida home that they were looking into an illegal drug ring.

The revelations sent shock waves through Middle America, where the talk-show host has been one of the most influential figures over the past decade, appealing to poor, angry whites with a mixture of conservative values and vehement loathing of the liberal "elites" that he claims dominate the east and west coasts and the national media.

"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," Mr Limbaugh, said on his radio show yesterday, explaining that he became addicted after he was prescribed painkillers after back surgery several years ago.

"Immediately following this broadcast, I am checking myself into a treatment centre for the next 30 days to once and for all break the hold this highly addictive medication has on me," Mr Limbaugh said.

The revelation was the latest controversy to engulf the radio personality. Last week, he resigned as a commentator on American football following an on-air suggestion that one player was overrated because he was black. The remarks provoked uproar.

According to press reports Mr Limbaugh was taking two drugs: OxyContin and hydrocodone. The right-wing icon's plight has illustrated a quiet epidemic spreading across America, particularly in rural areas, where OxyContin dependence is so prevalent the powerful painkiller is known as "hillbilly heroin".

In 2001, Mr Limbaugh signed a nine year radio syndication deal worth well over $200m (£120m). In part, his career has hinged on denunciation of liberal attitudes, including tolerance towards drug-addicted celebrities. He was aware of the irony in his remarks yesterday.

"Over the years athletes and celebrities have emerged from treatment centres to great fanfare and praise for conquering great demons. They are said to be great role models and examples for others," the 52-year-old radio host said.

"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... I take full responsibility for my problem."

Topics
World news
Rush Limbaugh

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/oct/11/usa.julianborger1

Seems like you might be minimizing things just a bit.

Little girl this is America. He gets to do what he wants just as you do. What drugs did Rush abuse? I have not heard of any. I do know your friend, Obama abused drugs and then released 1000 drug dealers from prison in a year when 65,000 Americans died from drug overdoses. One of those released immediately murdered a woman and her two children. Please be other than your normal self and tell us you think that behavior is not a good idea. Please tell us you screamed plenty of insults toward your Leftist friends who went along with that decision.

Show me where Rush proposed death for drug offenders. Are you talking sellers or users? Personally I have no problem with drug dealers receiving the death penalty when the number of ruined lives and families is considered.

Dennis

King of rightwing radio addicted to 'hillbilly heroin'
Julian Borger in Washington
Published onFri 10 Oct 2003 21.45 EDT
168
The confession came days after the tabloid revelations of a former maid who claimed she bought thousands of prescription pills on the black market for Mr Limbaugh, and the confirmation by the police near his Florida home that they were looking into an illegal drug ring.

The revelations sent shock waves through Middle America, where the talk-show host has been one of the most influential figures over the past decade, appealing to poor, angry whites with a mixture of conservative values and vehement loathing of the liberal "elites" that he claims dominate the east and west coasts and the national media.

"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," Mr Limbaugh, said on his radio show yesterday, explaining that he became addicted after he was prescribed painkillers after back surgery several years ago.

"Immediately following this broadcast, I am checking myself into a treatment centre for the next 30 days to once and for all break the hold this highly addictive medication has on me," Mr Limbaugh said.

The revelation was the latest controversy to engulf the radio personality. Last week, he resigned as a commentator on American football following an on-air suggestion that one player was overrated because he was black. The remarks provoked uproar.

According to press reports Mr Limbaugh was taking two drugs: OxyContin and hydrocodone. The right-wing icon's plight has illustrated a quiet epidemic spreading across America, particularly in rural areas, where OxyContin dependence is so prevalent the powerful painkiller is known as "hillbilly heroin".

In 2001, Mr Limbaugh signed a nine year radio syndication deal worth well over $200m (£120m). In part, his career has hinged on denunciation of liberal attitudes, including tolerance towards drug-addicted celebrities. He was aware of the irony in his remarks yesterday.

"Over the years athletes and celebrities have emerged from treatment centres to great fanfare and praise for conquering great demons. They are said to be great role models and examples for others," the 52-year-old radio host said.

"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... I take full responsibility for my problem."

Topics
World news
Rush Limbaugh

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/oct/11/usa.julianborger1

Seems like you might be minimizing things just a bit.