Celeb Rehab: Are Genes or Fame to Blame?

High Susceptibility, But Low Responsibility

One kink in the childhood-star-to-drug-addict story is that while stars may be more susceptible to drug addiction, they also have the means to get themselves help.

And it's not just about the money. Statistics show that the more success a person enjoys in his or her career, the more likely it is that the person can successfully seek treatment for their addiction.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHS) reports that "Employment is among the best predictors of successful substance abuse treatment, it is also considered an important measure of success in substance abuse treatment."

People with jobs are also less likely to repeat rounds of rehab unsuccessfully. The SAMHS reports that 13 percent of unemployed people surveyed in treatment centers had gone through five or more previous drug treatments. However, only 4 percent of employed people went back to rehab five or more times.

As a psychiatrist involved in helping people recover from addiction, Cermak has seen similar outcomes in his career. But, he notes, there exists an interesting paradox when it comes to those who come into a great deal of wealth.

"Wealth can both open the doors of treatment," says Cermak, but he adds, "it can also protect people from the consequences. … They get a DUI, they hire a great lawyer."

Of the stars he's treated, he's noticed an entourage of people — agents, publicists, or even family — who are profiting from the success of the Hollywood stars and will protect them from facing the downfall most people with a serious drug addiction would.

As for O'Neal, who says she has been sober for years, she told the Post she went into a tailspin about three weeks ago.

"There is no excuse for what I did," O'Neal said. But added, "I lost my Scottish terrier Lena … that sort of set me off."

Not a surprising revelation for those who deal with addiction, like Cermak.

"It's often hard when you're young and enjoying massive success and notoriety to think that you're powerless or incapable of dealing with the powers of addiction," he said.