EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Tiger Trying To Lessen Wife's Anger, But Needs To Focus On Recovery, Says Dr. Drew
Posted on Feb 19, 2010 @ 06:31PM
Tiger Woods is trying to appease his wife but needs to focus on his recovery, Dr. Drew Pinsky told RadarOnline.com in an exclusive interview.
The board certified addiction specialist and author several books has brought the issue of addiction into the public spotlight and helped educate millions. But Dr. Drew expressed both praise and concern for Tiger based on the golfer's televised comments today.
VIDEO: Tiger Woods' Televised Apology - Hear His Entire Statement
"The first thing that impressed me was that Tiger is focusing on his problem and focusing on his family and putting his career and golf on the backburner," said Dr. Drew. "I was concerned that he wouldn't do that. Tiger also said he felt comfortable with his peer group where he was getting treatment,and that is a very good sign that he feels comfortable in that environment."
While some have criticized Tiger for not admitting publicly that he is a sex addict, Dr. Drew said it wasn't necessary for Tiger to say it because it's a very personal decision for anyone battling addiction.
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But the doctor is concerned about something else. "He kept saying what a bad person he was," Dr. Drew told RadarOnline.com. "He apologized to everyone, we get it, but it was very distressing to me that he just kept beating himself up.
"Tiger mentioned Elin at least 15 times. He is trying to appease Elin's anger. That isn't his responsibility, that is Elin's. Tiger needs to focus on his recovery.
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"Tiger doesn't seem to have capitulated to the process, he seems to be trying to explain his actions. Tiger must let go and flow into the process."
And Tiger's demeanor alarmed Dr. Drew. To me, Tiger looked very depressed, which is cause for concern," Dr. Drew said. "It's also unusual for him to be going back to rehab after being out.
FLASHBACK: Exclusive Photos Of Tiger Woods In Rehab
"Now obviously I don't have first-hand information about Tiger's treatment, but it's unusual to me that he is going back to rehab. Usually when someone leaves rehab they go to a step down lower level of care, maybe that is what he is doing, or maybe that isn't possible because he is Tiger Woods. But just going back to rehab, that could be a sign that things aren't going well."
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Dr. Drew added that he would have liked Tiger to say, "I'm not doing well, I'm getting help. This has caused me to do things and taken me down a road that I could have never anticipated."
The bottom line, says Dr. Drew: "Tiger Woods is not a bad guy, he is struggling with a very serious addiction."
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The Daily Juice
DR. DREW IS SOOOO TERRIFIC!!!!! HIS SHOW IS GRRRRR88888!!!!! This society simply CANNOT just accept him back into the "fold"!!!!
Posted Sat, 02/20/2010 - 2:11pm
IMO any apology is to be immediately accepted...they are so hard to make.
Posted Sat, 02/20/2010 - 1:27pm
i disagree. I hate fake, made-for-tv apologies. Maybe Tiger's was real...but it sure felt staged. A true apology would be one to his wife and sponsors, followed by sincere work towards change.
Posted Sat, 02/20/2010 - 6:34pm
I admire Dr. Drew so much, and I believe he would be a great help to Tiger's therapy and recovery. I hope Tiger's team hires Dr. Drew.
Posted Sat, 02/20/2010 - 12:02pm
You can't be serious. Dr Drew's "career" in reality tv where people are exploited for all to see has taken away all he may have stood for. A good Dr would never make these comments. Drew and the rent-a rabbi are jokes.
Posted Sat, 02/20/2010 - 12:16pm
I agree. It's like Dr. Drew is making $$ and fame off of the situation, which I don't think a legit therapist would/should do.
Posted Sat, 02/20/2010 - 6:35pm
Dr. Pinsky should stay out of it.
Tiger/Elin have their own therapists and don't need him.
Posted Sat, 02/20/2010 - 10:21am
It is not unusual for someone to take a pass from treatment! it is a crucial element to go home for a few days & deal with issues waiting for them, then go back to treatment with an better understanding what life will be like afterwards .
Posted Sat, 02/20/2010 - 10:05am
And he has serious issues that don't seem like they'd be resolved in a month's time. Years is probably more like it.
Posted Sat, 02/20/2010 - 6:37pm
It takes great courage from any human being (note human) to apoligise about just a menial mishap - let alone a public persona apologising to the world and universe about multiple indiscretions- Noting a strong state of mind.
Posted Sat, 02/20/2010 - 5:06am