Robin Williams checks into rehab

62 year old Robin Williams has admitted to the public that he has gone into rehabilitation to help him maintain his sobriety that he fought to hard to achieve back in 2006 when he first addressed his drinking issues and admitted he was an alcoholic.  The legendary comedian’s team told TMZ that it wasn’t because he has fallen off the wagon though.

Robin’s representative told celebrity mag TMZ, “After working back-to-back projects, Robin is simply taking the opportunity to fine-tune and focus on his continued commitment, of which he remains extremely proud.”

Williams has checked into “The Lodge” a part of the Hazelden Addiction Treatment Center near Lindstrom, Minnesota.

Williams brings alcoholism to light, a topic that is become more and more important to discuss in Australia given the well-established drinking culture.  Whether it’s sporting events, weddings, new jobs, friday nights or even just Monday, life in Australia is lived with drink in your hand.

Nationally across Australia, alcohol contributes to many cases of cancer, injury and death. It is estimated that over 3,000 deaths per year are attributed to excessive consumption of alcohol in Australia and over 5,000 (or 5 percent) of all cancers are due to chronic, long-term abuse of alcohol. Alcoholism has been shown to be a factor in the development of many cancers, including liver cancer, breast cancer and esophageal cancer. Excessive alcohol consumption is the cause of up to 81,000 hospitalizations annually. Between 2004 and 2005, it was estimated that the cost of alcohol on the Australian community was up to A$15 billion.

According to the Alcohol Consumption in Australia: A Snapshot 2004-2005 Report, one in every nine Australians drank alcohol at a risky or high-risk level. This equates to 13 percent of the population, or 2 million persons.

But what can you do if yourself or someone you love is struggling with alcoholism?

You could speak to your GP, local health service or call a helpline.   There are trained counsellors available on the telephone in every Australian state and territory.  Drinkwise offer a national, 24 hour a day, seven day a week hotline that offers free alcohol and drug counselling.

CounsellingOnline
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