"After a recent back surgery, Mr. Reynolds felt like he was going through hell and after a while, realized he was a prisoner of prescription pain pills," his manager said.__________I had something similar happen to me after surgery. I had never used drugs for anything other than a medical reason and was reluctant to even take Tylenol. At the time I was seeing a therapist and I found it in me to tell her being she would not openly judge me. I was able to come off them before the problem got so bad that I would have needed to enter rehab because my body would have reacted to not getting any more pills. It is scary how addicting these medications can be, although in no way am I saying they should be banned. Lot's of people use them for a short time without becoming an addict. Good luck to you Mr. Reynolds.

Unbelievable!!!! This may be true but show me the proof.

How could he have passed a Democratic senate confirmation with a black mark like this on his record?

I find it interesting that there is such support and understanding for Burt and Justice Rehnquist is expressed. It's not that they do not deserve it, but when Rush Limbaugh entered rehab for essentially the same thing he was (and still is) condemned as an unrepentant dope addict. Addiction as the result of a back injury must be one of the most frequent "side effects" of that type of injury. Apparently recovery, much as in alcoholism, is a an ongoing challenge. I pray for strength and resolve for Burt and continued success in the ongoing recovery for Rush.

Mary, people don't have much sympathy for Rush because he had been known to have some pretty harsh views about drug addicts and it was regular rhetoric on his show. Why should anyone show him compassion when he has pretty much said that all drug addicts should be killed. Also, he didn't seek help until he was arrested. He might still be doing drugs if he didn't get caught. Sometimes I think he's STILL doing drugs judging by the garbage that spews forth from that enormous pie-hole of his.
Anyway, I wish Mr. Reynolds all the best.

Some people have extensive back surgery and need a low dose of a controlled substance to be able to get out of bed each day, exercise, and lead as normal a life as possible. It doesn't mean you have a feeble mind. i wouldn't be so quick to judge.. you obviously have never gone through such a painful experience.

You go girl! Carla, I could not have said it better, myself. That "little green monster" called "envy" afflicts far too many people these days. They seem to have forgotten, "WHAT GOES AROUND, COMES AROUND". In order to receive compassion and understanding, one has to know how to give it!!!

So you met him for probably a few minutes 30 years ago and he's a gentleman for life? I'm only giving you a hard time. He's always seemed like a nice guy and I wish him the best of luck. Also, I think Mary's thoughts (above) were right on.