Bush: 'I'm a Better Man' for Going Cold Turkey

Prez talks up 'higher power,' praises faith-based initiatives

(NEWSER) - President Bush recalled his battles with alcoholism during a visit to a faith-based social services organization today in Baltimore. "I drank too much at one time in my life," said the president, adding that his experiences showed him that people "can find inspiration from a higher power" in the fight against addiction, reports the Baltimore Sun. More»

Daniel Radcliffe's admission is far from the first to surprise

(NEWSER) - Raise your hand if you were shocked to read that Harry Potter—er, Daniel Radcliffe— had a drinking problem . Well, you weren't the only one. The Frisky rounds up seven more celebs whose addictions surprised the world:

• Demi Moore: She was addicted to cocaine in the '80s, but cleaned up after the St. Elmo's Fire director threatened to fire her.

Saucy Dubya got himself into some drunken pickles

(NEWSER) - Before George W. Bush gave up alcohol, he enjoyed “a beer or two, or a martini, before dinner, bourbons, B&Bs”—and, combined with his “wise-ass” personality, it occasionally got him into some awkward social situations. In an interview with Matt Lauer airing Monday, Bush recalls a dinner party at his parents’ place in Maine in which he, “drunk at the dinner table,” asked a “beautiful” female friend of his parents, “What is sex like after 50?” More»

With drug, alcoholics still drink; abstinence is traditional model

(NEWSER) - More and more doctors are prescribing the anti-craving drug baclofen to alcoholics, and patients describe a “switch” that suddenly allows them to resist temptation—even as they keep drinking in moderation, Time reports. While some argue this can reduce harm—one drink is better than 10—the approach is at odds with traditional 12-step and cold-turkey methods of dealing with addiction. More»

President spotted sipping Peruvian cocktail at Lima summit

(NEWSER) - President Bush's teetotalism may not be as total as thought, Gawker writes. On his recent visit to Peru for the Asia-Pacific Cooperation Summit, the president—who quit drinking 22 years ago—reportedly joined other world leaders in knocking back Pisco sour cocktails. The country's national drink is made with egg whites, lemon—and Peruvian brandy. More»