Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
| Subscribe to Newser's RSS feeds RSS | Follow Newser on Twitter Twitter


8

Abdul Reveals Painkiller Addiction

American Idol judge turned to meds after dancing injuries

Share

(Newser) – Paula Abdul tells the Ladies' Home Journal she was addicted to heavy-duty painkillers for 12 years until she kicked the habit last November. Abdul insists, however, that she never shot an American Idol episode while under the influence. The 46-year-old turned to prescription meds—which made her act "weird"—to fight debilitating pain after a series of neck and back surgeries. "I didn't want anyone to count me out," she said.

"I could have killed myself," Abdul said. Rehab was hell, but necessary, she added. "I was freezing cold, then sweating hot, then chattering and in so much pain. But at my very core, I did not like existing the way I had been."

In this March 5 file photo,
In this March 5 file photo, "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul arrives at the American Idol Top 13 Party in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, file)
In this trading card image released by FremantleMedia and trading card publisher Upper Deck, an
In this trading card image released by FremantleMedia and trading card publisher Upper Deck, an "American Idol" trading card featuring judge Paula Abdul, is shown.   (AP Photo/FremantleMedia/Upper Deck)
In this Sept. 5, 2008, file photo, Paula Abdul attends the Conde Nast Media Group's Fifth Annual Fashion Rocks at Radio City Music Hall in New York.
In this Sept. 5, 2008, file photo, Paula Abdul attends the Conde Nast Media Group's Fifth Annual Fashion Rocks at Radio City Music Hall in New York.   (AP Photo/Peter Kramer, file)
Paula Abdul arrives at the
Paula Abdul arrives at the "American Idol" Top 13 Party on March 5 in Los Angeles.   (Getty Images)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

I'm working on finding that guy. I'm just like every other girl who wants to find a soul mate and live happily ever after. - Paula Abdul

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
OFF THE GRID
11.23.09
Books Are Bad for You
11.20.09
The Health-Care Wars Have Just Begun
8 comments
VIEWING:
 
markhebert42
May 5, 09 5:18 PM CDT
Shocking. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
0
IN RESPONSE:
Collusive
May 5, 09 5:40 PM CDT
Vote up! Vote down!
+1
riffran
May 5, 09 7:07 PM CDT
long term narcotic use/abuse? can lend itself toward mental health issues such as bizzare behavior, and other symptoms and or self destructive habits...which would explain a lot....and withdrawal can be to put it mildly .........a real bitch...wish her luck Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
-1
Petem011
May 5, 09 7:18 PM CDT
I wish her the best of luck also, but I had been wondering how long it would be before she admitted it. Some of her comments on American Idol are just - off the wall. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
0
Derni
May 5, 09 7:38 PM CDT
I take pain killers to watch the show! Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
+6

View all 8 comments »

LEAVE A
COMMENT Comment Policy
Facebook ConnectPost this comment to Facebook?

After connecting you will have the option to post your comment on your Facebook profile.

 

Related Newser Stories

45 Stories

BBC Journo Stuns Brown with Pill-Popping Question

Labor furious after interviewer follows up Internet rumors

Sep 28, 09 3:53 AM CDT
(Newser) - Gordon Brown's office and the British Labor Party are furious with the BBC after the host of the channel's flagship political program asked the prime minister if he took prescription painkillers. Downing Street had already denied the rumor, which began on the Internet. A shocked Brown responded: "No! I... More »

MORE ABOUT:
BBC • Gordon Brown • Labour • Labour Party • painkiller • Andrew Marr • prescription painkillers

 Ankle Monitors 
 Get a Grip on 
 Drunk Drivers 

New technology lets cash-strapped PDs free up jail space

Sep 25, 09 11:41 AM CDT
(Newser) - In the fight against drunk driving, cash-strapped municipalities are embracing cheaper penalties than the traditional—and expensive—jailhouse, and the ankle monitor has a high-tech addition: an alcohol sensor. Repeat offenders can skip probation and even rehab if they submit to sweat-analyzing remote surveillance. “We are at a point... More »

MORE ABOUT:
rehab • alcohol abuse • probation • rehabilitation • house arrest • criminal charges • ankle • electronic monitoring • SCRAM

(Newser) - Comedian and talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres will be the fourth judge on the next season of American Idol, the Wrap reports. The deal, announced by Fox tonight, fills the star spot vacated by Paula Abdul, who quit the show this summer in a salary dispute. More »

MORE ABOUT:
American Idol • salary • Fox • daytime talk show • Ellen DeGeneres • comedian • Paula Abdul

45 Stories


Abdul will perform new single on final 'American Idol' episode
TV Guide


Gossip 
TwitterFollow @NewserGossip on Twitter

 
American Idol • rehab • pop music • rehabilitation • painkiller • prescription painkillers • Paula Abdul • Celebrity Rehab

from our news partners

CinemaBlend.com