Affect and addiction in the Celebrity Rehab reality television show

Abstract

This article analyses how the popular reality television show Celebrity Rehab with Dr Drew portrays addiction and the treatment process. The data consist of seasons 1–4, which were originally broadcast 2008–2011. The qualitative analysis of the show will be grounded on the theoretical concept of affect, which refers, in brief, to intensities and emotional forces. Celebrity Rehab exemplifies current re-working of the images of addiction and rehabilitation. The narrative storyline of the show structures the contents of the show from detoxification to graduation in three weeks. This enables the input of visually shocking material. Recovery is portrayed as a long struggle against addiction, which is defined as both substance dependency and excessive, sensation-seeking behavior. Addiction is connected to violent conflicts, bodily expressions and private disclosure. The show uses severely addicted celebrities as participants, some of whom have subsequently died. Exact details about the treatment process are kept brief. Displayed affects, emotions, bodies and body parts become primary material, while factual information about treatment and the dangers of drugs and alcohol are secondary. What Celebrity Rehab shows as visual images is more important than what it tells about addictions. It uses body fluids and close-ups of bodily distortions to portray addictions and the difficulty of treatment.

• Television
• media
• celebrities
• affect
• body