How I Would Help Eminem Battle Drug Addiction

Recently the famed rap artist Eminem publicly announced his own battle with drug addiction, primarily with prescription drugs. On the heels of this, superstar Elton John, himself in recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction, publically offered his own support to assist Eminem. Firstly, to Eminem, I offer a very heart-felt and empathetic "Atta-boy!". Why? Quite simply, the first step in recovery from drug addiction (and argueably the most difficult), is Eminem's coming to terms with his having a problem, and that he is powerless over his drug(s) of choice. This is by definition the "First Step" in the recovery process. At this very early stage, I would help the rap artist by acknowledging his decision to "get clean" and take this difficult but immensely satisfying path called Recovery.

Kudos to Sir Elton John, for reaching out to Eminem, embracing him as one in recovery helps another, and offering his whatever support his own heart can muster to steer Eminem onto the path of freedom from drugs!

As an Addiction Medicine specialist, and author of "Living Jonathan's Life", detailing my own descent into addiction, I would suggest to Eminem several things that might assist him. One: you did one of the hardest parts by simply acknowledging your addiction, now keep the faith and the promise you (hopefully) make to yourself--to keep moving forward. You are an amazing artist and a benevalent human being in your own right. You owe the gift of recovery to yourself to keep those sparks alive!

Secondly, don't isolate--but allow others to help you help yourself. As we say in recovery, let others love you until you can love yourself again! Take that to heart!

Thirdly, be transparent to others and let yourself be vulnerable. As difficult as these can be for those of us suffering the disease of addiction-- they are important tenets of the Twelve Step process!

Sir Elton- thank you so much for your continued benevolence for others; your aid to Emimen is just one more incredible example.

Eminem-- keep the faith that you can overcome and enjoy your many gifts ahead; both those you possess as an artist, and those you will inherit as a human being in recovery!