Rush’s statement from his show today:

(Link to mp3 of Rush’s statement)

“You know I have always tried to be honest with you and open about my life. So I need to tell you today that part of what you have heard and read is correct. I am addicted to prescription pain medication.

“I first started taking prescription painkillers some years ago when my doctor prescribed them to treat post surgical pain following spinal surgery. Unfortunately, the surgery was unsuccessful and I continued to have severe pain in my lower back and also in my neck due to herniated discs. I am still experiencing that pain. Rather than opt for additional surgery for these conditions, I chose to treat the pain with prescribed medication. This medication turned out to be highly addictive.

“Over the past several years I have tried to break my dependence on pain pills and, in fact, twice checked myself into medical facilities in an attempt to do so. I have recently agreed with my physician about the next steps.
“Immediately following this broadcast, I am checking myself into a treatment center for the next 30 days to once and for all break the hold this highly addictive medication has on me. The show will continue during this time, of course, with an array of guest hosts you have come to know and respect.

“I am not making any excuses. You know, over the years athletes and celebrities have emerged from treatment centers to great fanfare and praise for conquering great demons. They are said to be great role models and examples for others. Well, I am no role model. I refuse to let anyone think I am doing something great here, when there are people you never hear about, who face long odds and never resort to such escapes. They are the role models. I am no victim and do not portray myself as such. I take full responsibility for my problem.

“At the present time, the authorities are conducting an investigation, and I have been asked to limit my public comments until this investigation is complete. So I will only say that the stories you have read and heard contain inaccuracies and distortions, which I will clear up when I am free to speak about them.

“I deeply appreciate all your support over this last tumultuous week. It has sustained me. I ask now for your prayers. I look forward to resuming our excursion into broadcast excellence together.”

When this story broke, Howard Stern read his audience basically the whole Enquirer article on the air- it was the most brutally funny thing I’ve ever heard. The article has great stuff like Rush’s code words, like “cabbage” for money and “grocery store” for bank- as in “Can we meet at the Denny’s parking lot? I’ve got to stop by the Grocery Store to pick up some Cabbage” Then when the transaction actually takes place the maid says that Rush would hand over the money and say “Here’s the cabbage.”

In the end this is a guy who makes a living looking down his nose at people- statements he’s made in the past about other drug addicts are damn near impossible to ignore now, but that’s just what he’ll do.

By the way, Tommy Chong just reported yesterday for his nine month sentence in federal pound-me-in-the-ass-prison for selling pipes.

Watch Limbaugh skate around this one- it’ll be interesting to compare and contrast. It doesn’t hurt to be in the pocket of the president.

Link to mp3 of Rush’s statement