Is Rehab the New "Black" for Celebrities?

Every year fashion designers and experts designate a color that can be considered the new "black." This color is usually acknowledged as a staple of the fashion industry, with the "little black dress" being especially popular. Simply put, "the new black" as a phrase has caught on to describe just about any act which appears to be growing as a trend. To that effect, it seems that in Hollywood, going to rehab is the new thing to do. The problem is that celebrities are now entering posh rehabilitation facilities for conditions other than substance abuse. Technically speaking, the word rehabilitation refers to improvement or repair, which could basically apply to anything which needs fixing. But are celebrities using rehab centers as portals for damage control? Or are their stints inside these facilities really justified?

SUBSTANCE ABUSERS

The list of celebrities who have had problems with drugs or alcohol is probably too long to divulge. The history of substance abuse in Hollywood is ancient, with some of the greatest actors, singers, and musicians either succumbing to the abuse (in death), or taking responsibility by entering rehabilitation institutions.

People like Paris Hilton, who are arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol are often mandated to attend some sort of DUI program as part of their sentencing. While this is a perfectly reasonable explanation for entering a program, many believe that rehab is virtually useless in cases like this.

In October of 2006 "Simple Life" co-star, Nicole Richie, entered a facility for "weight issues." Supposedly, the star, tiring of rumors that she has anorexia, decided to visit the center to obtain a medical explanation as to why should could not put on weight. According to reports, the focus was on nutrition. But most people intent on making dietary changes generally consult nutritionists or personal trainers only; they do not check themselves into day clinics. To the world, this seemed an odd reason to enter a program, leaving fans to wonder whether Richie was hiding something after all. Fast forward to early December 2006, and the world sees Nicole Richie arrested for driving down the wrong side of a highway. She was not drunk, but admitted to taking Vicodin (a powerful pain killer) and marijuana. Her ultimate excuse was that she suffered extreme menstrual cramps. Being that Richie has had previous issues with heroin, a subsequent stay in a rehab center is more than justified.

Actress Lindsay Lohan entered a rehab facility shortly after reports that she was found passed out in the corridor of a hotel at a Golden Globes affair. The public is used to hearing about Lindsay's problems; the 20-year old is a heavy partier and is known for her affinity for alcohol. Rehabilitation centers are notorious for being restrictive institutions; they must be in order to provide the boundaries necessary for healing. But every other day, photos of Lindsay Lohan in various locations pop up on the internet. As a matter of fact, she has been allowed to leave the facility in order to shop, to film her latest movie, and has even provided press releases during her recent stint.

THE DAMAGE CONTROLLERS

Then there are the "Damage Controllers." These are the people who seem to rely on the wisdom of "rehab" as a way of fixing their poor images in the press. The latest celebrity to wear "the new Black" seems to be Isaiah Washington, who has agreed to enter a residential treatment program to "counteract the negative effects of his public use of gay slurs" (www.socialitelife.com ). In October of 2006, the Grey's Anatomy actor underwent tons of flack for comments he made with regard to a co-star's homosexuality. Apparently, rehab can correct attitudes toward gay people.

Fledgling rapper, Kevin Federline, in a plea to his future ex-wife, Britney Spears, has even urged her to enter a rehab program. Her poor personal choices and lack of proper mothering, have caused alarm for both Federline and her mother, Lynne. But can rehab really correct a series of jaunts with multiple men, and her aversion to wearing underwear?

Both Mel Gibson and Michael Richards have sought the "help" of civil organizations in an effort to effect damage control when their respective comments about Jewish and black people caused massive alarm for fans.

REHAB IS THE NEW "BLACK"

Publicists and music and film executives have their jobs cut out for them when their clients demostrate poor behavior in public. When the popularity of a celebrity plummets because of controversy, it can adversely affect ratings and ticket sales. There are few ways to correct a belief that is unpopular. Celebrities are trained to withhold their personal opinions when it proves to be detrimental to their careers. As a result, rehabilitation centers are being used as Damage Control Centers---places where celebrities go to refine their images.