By: Sherry Gaba LCSW, Psychotherapist, Life and Recovery Coach on Celebrity Rehab on VH1 and author of “The Law of Sobriety” which uses the law of attraction to recover from any addiction. Please download your copy of “Eliminate Limiting Beliefs”, from Sherry’s, Enrich Your Life series. Contact Sherry at sherry@sgabatherapy.com for webinars, teleseminars, coaching packages and speaking engagements.

Jack Osbourne, son of legend Ozzy Osbourne and Sharon Osbourne, directed a documentary that was released on April 24 of this year. Sharon is quoted saying that Jack is the reason for Ozzy recently getting clean and sober. Jack became sober in 2003, thus marking a turning point in Ozzy’s life. Ozzy’s sobriety is firmly supported by his family.

Sharon has always stood by her family, voicing her opinions clearly. Her expression of unconditional love and support has never wavered. This is a prime example of how the support system of an addict can be the fuel needed to make sobriety a possibility.

Conquering addiction is not about strength or willpower. In order to experience a successful recovery, the addict goes through an evolution. This growth process can be difficult but it is also the most wonderful experience in the world. This time of self-discovery, learning, maturing and being able to experience discomfort without relying on their drug of choice, is pivotal for a healthy life. The support system of the recovering individual is more important than most realize. It is not a matter of loving the person that is recovering, or forgiving them, it is a matter of standing beside them while they grow.

In the case of celebrities that are addicted, their entourage, their staff, their fans and the media reinforce their behavior. There is energy invested in getting them sober, but there is also energy in maintaining the platform of the celebrity. A celebrity can become a commodity.  The changes, which need to take place in a celebrity’s life, to maintain sobriety don’t always mesh with the life they have been living. Lifestyle changes take time and require a support system that understands addiction. These changes must incorporate the best interest of the individual.

Does this mean that if someone is a celebrity, his or her journey from addiction to recovery is vastly different than someone who isn’t in the spotlight? Not necessarily. The experiences are relative and the core issues that addicts face are not unique to a status of celebrity or economics. A support system is crucial for anyone who wants to succeed.

This support system doesn’t have to be your closest friends and family. A healthy support system cannot incorporate those that you used with or hung around with when your addiction was active. Amazingly, your support system often includes people that are new in the recovering addict’s life. These individuals can be part of a fellowship, a treatment center and addiction professionals. They key is that they are supportive of the mission of recovery. They understand that relapse can be fatal and that abstaining from the drug of choice is the only option. A healthy support system understands but they do not pity or indulge negative behavior from the recovering addict. This form of love, support and understanding will maintain an environment that empowers the recovering individual.

A healthy support system is what appears to be in place for Ozzy Osbourne. His family understands the addiction world and with Jack in recovery, Ozzy has the support of someone who is walking on the same path. The healing power that a healthy support system has can greatly support the efforts of the recovering addict. Addiction is a family disease, a disease of society, and a disease of mankind. Healthy support will manifest amazing results in the life of the recovering addict.