Rehab: The Quick Fix

It’s more common than ever for disgraced celebrities to use a spell in rehab as a perfect excuse to disappear from the public eye until the furore surrounding them dies down. Sound familiar? It should – it’s exactly what Jade Goody did after she was scorned for bullying Shilpa Shetty in Celebrity Big Brother. After discussing her options with her manager and PR team, Jade checked herself into The Priory, reportedly suffering depression. She hid out in the clinic for several weeks (until the baying mob had gotten bored and gone home) and recently resumed her normal life, or as normal as life can be when you're Jade Goody.

Sure, celebrities like Britney Spears and Robbie Williams have real problems which require professional help, but we’re talking about the Kate Mosses of this world who seem to use a stint in rehab solely to repair a damaged reputation and to regain trust that has been lost – after Kate's cocaine use hit the tabloids in 2005, a humbling spell in rehab meant her career didn’t suffer, it soared.

The below stars, like Jade, have used rehab in the last 12 months to repair damaged reputations:

Grey's Anatomy actor Isaiah Washington – checked in for treatment to transform his ‘negative actions into positive results’ after using a homophobic slur to describe a co-star.

Seinfeld actor Michael Richards – treated for ‘behavioural issues’ after using racial remarks at a comedy club.

Lindsay Lohan – received treatment for alcoholism, reportedly after the insurance company on her upcoming film refused to cover her.  Lindsay was criticised for using the rehab centre like a hotel – exiting each day to go to work and each night to go clubbing, leaving precious little time for treatment. "I'm trying to save my life," a fellow patient was quoted as saying, "she's trying to save her face."

Ashley Judd – The actress checked into rehab for treatment for ‘perfectionism’.

Do luxury surrounds equate to lenient treatment? Experts have questioned the effectiveness of some of the top-end rehabilitation centres favoured by the stars, which resemble five-star resorts.

Promises – Britney’s rehab centre is aimed at the super-rich. One month’s stay can cost around $80,000 and includes access to a personal trainer and beautician, with private counselling sessions and no chores. Facilities include tennis courts, two pools and nearby horse riding facilities.

Wonderland – The clinic used by Lindsay is housed in a three-acre gated estate and offers gourmet chef, nutritionist, fitness trainers, yoga instructors and spiritual guides.

Beau Monde – Billed as a ‘boutique’ rehab centre, Beau Monde treats no more than five people at a time and offers twice-weekly massages, a top-quality restaurant and access to treats like whale watching and shopping.

And, closer to home, The Priory – The UK centre of choice for burnt-out celebs runs a number of clinics in stately homes, set on acres of gardens and offering private rooms with en suites and pampering treatments.

According to reports, Big Brother producers Endemol want to capitalise on the rehab trend by creating a show where celebrity drug addicts live under one roof trying to kick the habit in a televised rehab environment. The troubled stars would be filmed 24 hours a day for the reality show, reported to be called Rock Stars In Rehab.

It's worth pointing out that for those celebrities who use rehab for what it’s intended – including Britney Spears, Robbie Williams and, if he ever manages to complete a treatment, Pete Doherty – best of luck, we’re rooting for you!