Pubdate: Sat, 11 Oct 2003
Source: Miami Herald (FL)
Copyright: 2003 The Miami Herald
Contact:  http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/262
Author: Jill Barton

RUSH LIMBAUGH ADMITS PAINKILLER ADDICTION

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh announced 
during his radio show Friday that he is addicted to painkillers and is 
checking into a rehab center to "break the hold this highly addictive 
medication has on me."

"You know I have always tried to be honest with you and open about my 
life," Limbaugh said during a stunning admission aired nationwide. "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."

"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," he added.

Limbaugh gave up his job as an ESPN sports analyst Oct. 1, three days after 
saying on the sports network's "Sunday NFL Countdown" that Philadelphia 
Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb was overrated because the media wanted to 
see a black quarterback succeed.

The reports of possible drug abuse surfaced at about the same time, first 
in the National Enquirer. The tabloid had interviewed Wilma Cline, who said 
she became Limbaugh's drug connection after working as his maid. She said 
Limbaugh had abused OxyContin and other painkillers.

Law enforcement sources who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed to 
The Associated Press that Limbaugh was being investigated by the Palm Beach 
County, Fla., state attorney's office.

"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," Limbaugh said.

Mike Edmondson, a spokesman for the Palm Beach County state attorney's 
office, said Friday his office could neither confirm nor deny that an 
investigation was under way. Limbaugh's attorney, Roy Black, did not return 
a message seeking comment.

Limbaugh said he started taking painkillers "some years ago" after a doctor 
prescribed them following a spinal surgery. His back pain stemming from the 
surgery persisted, so Limbaugh said he started taking pills and became hooked.

"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."

Steve Plamann, executive editor of The National Enquirer, said he was 
gratified by Limbaugh's admission and his plans to seek help.

"We didn't do our stories gleefully. We just reported the facts," Plamann said.

However, Limbaugh said that reports about his addiction have inaccuracies 
and distortions which he will clarify when he is able to speak about them.

Premiere Radio Networks, which syndicates the politically focused "Rush 
Limbaugh Show" to more than 650 markets, did not have an immediate comment, 
said spokesman Michael Sitrick. Several guest hosts were scheduled until 
Limbaugh comes back after rehab.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens