Mackenzie Phillips, Addiction Counselor?

By Christine Fenno Posted Jun 26th 2011 12:02PM

Move over, Dr. Drew. After years as an actress with harrowing substance abuse battles, and a recent memoir detailing incest in her family, former 'One Day at a Time' star Mackenzie Phillips is reportedly seeking a fresh start with a new career: addiction counselor.

This weekend, sources tell TMZ that Phillips, 51, is approximately half-way done with a certification program that would pave the way for what she hopes will be her new life's work helping others.

But that doesn't mean she's leaving show business altogether.

A reality TV show may also be in the works. Her journey to become a addiction treatment specialist is allegedly being chronicled for a cable series titled 'No Relapse,' produced by 44 Blue (the company behind MSNBC's 'Lockup' and Spike TV's 'Pirate Hunters'). Already, insiders say the show is attracting "strong interest from multiple networks."

Phillips is famously open on camera about her personal struggles. "On drugs, gosh, I was probably spending a thousand dollars a day," she said, reflecting on her years as a drug addict during an Oprah Winfrey episode. "I would turn out all the lights and creep around the house and peek out the window...I spent hours staring into trees and bushes."

Mackenzie Phillips Life as a Addict

Tags: mackenzie phillips

Comments

(28)

Sunday 26 June

By MadameX

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Move on Mac. Doubt that even Valerie Bertinelli would be interested.

By Todd

I can stare into trees & bushes for hours too. Sometimes I like to watch my green bean plants climb the trellis. Ishh funn!

By gp341

You have bigger problems other than addiction if your going to watch her show.

By pugz

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i see this headed for that okra network

By sidejobwarriors

after all these years i dont think its addiction any more it a WAY OF LIFE FOR HER,

By gideon waxfarb

She seems like a fairly nice person,but I think she just want's to stay in front of the cameras really.

By Ezeestreet

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I hope it works out for her. Good Luck

By Bill

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I'm so tired of this whining has-been!

By Ed Walters

I can't think of any one better that she. As Jim Morrison sang in a song... "you don't know a thing till you get inside"
Who better tha someone that has been there and one that ?? It's better that some college grad that hs never seen a thing !!
GO Mackenzie !!!

By Lizzie

OHHHHHHH!! "Mac", I am sooooo HAPPY that you have 2 new Doggies in your life!!!!!!!! "Mac", you ARE truly a GEM!!!!

By walkingman50

Instant credibility with the addicted and who better to tell you what not to do and the results of doing it. Best of luck Mac.

By dojohndaily

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she's not reading this crap

By Robert

I wish Ms. Phillips well. She may very well be able to help
people with substance abuse issues. Give her a break !!

By GORDON GEKKO

Good idea...put the fox in charge of the hen house. While your at it reality tv, why not make Mel Gibson in charge of anger management. How about Lindsay Lohan in charge theft prevention. Oh, how about Tracy Morgan president of Gladd.

By sbrewton9

First thought: Blind leading the blind. Second thought: How fitting that the name of the show that made her famous was called "One Day At A Time". The mother of all addiction mantras.

By bob parks

Skank.

Monday 27 June

By honeybucket

sad.

By Ted

Who?

By YellowRose3218

I hope she keeps this up, and teaches others, how bad a life with drug use will be.
I would have listened to her, before anyone else.
At least she knows exactly, what drugs will do to a person.
Shes telling the truth, and not trying to scare people.

By lor

I think that it's great that she's going to use her personal experience to help others. I'm a licensed clinical social worker, who hasn't experienced those challenges, and I would venture a guess that her clients would listen better to her, than to me. Best Wishes, Mac. You can do it!!!

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