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."
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