Such news shouldn’t surprise us, as it comes quite frequently. Yet it always seems to take us off guard, especially when we hear of a celebrity role-model who’s the latest to admit problems with addiction. When former boxing champion Oscar De La Hoya admitted during a recent interview with Spanish-language network Univision that he’d had suicidal thoughts and had been in rehab for dependency on alcohol and drugs, it was just the latest in a much-too-long list of well-known figures who’ve come forward about their addiction.

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It’s his honest, say-it-like-it-is nature that may have led British comedian and celebrity actor Russell Brand toward both success on the job, and success toward drug addiction recovery.

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Aside from legions of fans and sell-out tours, former rock superstar Leif Garrett’s story could in some ways resemble the struggles, and the resolve, of many recovering drug addicts.

What sets Garrett’s story apart, however, is a teen tragedy linked to drunk driving, and a new life that includes recovery under the observation of millions of viewers. Leif Garrett’s drug recovery, like many aspects of his life, will be open for public view as part of the fourth season of the VHI television series “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.”
Leif Garrett, known during his music heyday for blonde, wavy locks of hair, saw his celebrity career escalate from being a five-year old television star to packing arenas full of rock fans in his late teens and early twenties, with hits like “I Was Made for Dancin’.”

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