When it comes to determining if a celebrity rehab works, it all depends on the patient and the center, according to Dr.  Drew Pinsky, MD, the host of Celebrity Rehab on VH1. Many centers are not treatment centers but are housing institutions.  Some may just be spas that recognize the specialness of a celebrity and thus offer massage and other facilities.

Nevertheless, there are also legitimate ones that are run by certified doctors specializing in addiction medicine and are staffed by nurses and doctors round-the-clock to monitor patients.  Although all celebrity rehab or recovery programs are different, almost all have a strong 12-step orientation. Most programs start with a withdrawal period and detoxification.

Regardless if a center is located in a beach in Malibu or hospital setting, in-patient rehab stays could be effective only if the treatment will continue after one is discharged. While they could work, there are high relapse rates within the months that follow after the discharge. It is therefore vital for anyone, be it a celebrity or not who is going to rehabilitation to have an effective follow-up after his or   her discharge. Keep in mind that rehabilitation is only a short-term step towards the road to recovery.