Toronto Mayor Rob Ford has faced the music and admitted himself to rehab, after a tearful announcement was made on numerous TV news outlets by his brother Doug Ford.
Earlier today, Mayor Ford announced that he would be taking a leave of absence to seek help for substance abuse after a second video of him allegedly smoking crack surfaced.
Last year, Mr. Ford made news on the international stage after a video that allegedly showed him smoking crack was given to the Toronto police. He initially denied the allegations, but later admitted to reporters, “Yes, I have smoked crack cocaine but … am I an addict? No. Have I tried it? Probably in one of my drunken stupors, probably approximately about a year ago.” Adding, “Yes, I’ve made mistakes. All I can do now is apologize and move on.”
Rob Ford’s full statement:
Tonight, I want to take some time to speak from my heart to the people of Toronto. It’s not easy to be vulnerable, and this is one of the most difficult times in my life.
I have a problem with alcohol and the choices I have made while under the influence. I have struggled with this for some time.
Today, after taking some time to think about my own well-being, how to best serve the people of Toronto and what is in the best interests of my family, I have decided to take a leave from campaigning and from my duties as mayor to seek immediate help.
I have tried to deal with these issues by myself over the past year. I know that I need professional help, and I am now 100 per cent committed to getting myself right.
I love the people of Toronto, I love being your mayor and I hope you will continue to stand by me.
With the support of my family, friends, professionals and the people of Toronto, I will conquer this. Please keep me and my family in your prayers during these difficult days ahead.
I just want to say to the people of Toronto that I thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement. I cannot tell you enough how much I appreciate it.
Dr. Akikur Mohammad, Founder of Inspire Malibu – recognized as one of the top drug rehab and addiction treatment centers located in Malibu, California – is also an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and an alcoholism and drug addiction expert.
He tells Monsters and Critics, “We have worked tirelessly at Inspire Malibu to create one of the finest science and evidence-based treatment programs in the country. While there are countless scientific advances for the treatment of alcoholism and substance abuse, it takes the will of the patient and their honest resolve to admit they need help, understand why they are chemically addicted to a certain substance and take steps to fix this problem which is a lifelong battle. We are happy that Mayor Rob Ford, who appears to have a very kind and humorous spirit, is taking his life seriously to help himself and his family and loved ones.”
