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Anorak News | New US drugs czar is a recovering alcoholic

New US drugs czar is a recovering alcoholic

by | 30th, April 2015

drugs czarThe White House has made Michael Botticelli it’s US Drug Czar. Botticelli is now director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). And the best bit is that he’s recovering alcoholic.

As the New York Times reprots:

Six recovering substance abusers sat in an inner-city treatment center, sharing their stories. When Michael’s turn came around, he spoke of his former drug of choice, alcohol, and mentioned the night years ago when he drove drunk on the Massachusetts Turnpike, caused an accident and was arrested before passing out.

Michael then pulled out a picture of a friend’s brother who recently died from mixing prescription painkillers with alcohol. He described his grief and visceral connection with the struggles of substance abusers in recovery.

“You are my people,” he said, wiping one eye.

Catharsis is common in treatment centers, but Michael is not the typical former substance abuser: He is Michael Botticelli, the director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, informally known as the drug czar.

Behold the repenting spirit…



Posted: 30th, April 2015 | In: Reviews Comment | TrackBack | Permalink