weekly celebrity news

this week in substance abuse
from About.com/Alcoholism;


Carnie Wilson Talks About Her Addictions
In a recent interview, singer and "Celebrity Wife Swap" star Carnie Wilson discussed her recent weight gain and her addiction, saying, "I always think I am one of the millions and millions of people that struggles with an addiction to food. I don’t know how to relax, that’s my problem. I can’t smoke a joint, I can’t have a glass of wine because I want 10 joints and 10 glasses of wine. That’s my obsessive compulsive and addictive behavior. I’ve really struggled since I’ve become sober."

Rat Pack Sidekick Kaye Stevens Dead at 79
Former singer, actress and sidekick to the Rat Pack stars Kaye Stevens passed away at age 79. After battling alcoholism for years, Stevens renewed her Christian faith and started her own ministry, performing Christian and patriotic music only since the 1980s.

'Traffic' Drug Kingpin Pleads Guilty
The Mexican drug kingpin who inspired the Steven Soderbergh film "Traffic" has pleaded guilty to racketeering and conspiracy to launder money in federal court. Benjamin Arellano Felix will be sentenced to no more than 25 years as a result of his plea deal. He will also forfeit $100 million in drug profits.

Zahra Baker's Stepmom Pleads Guilty to Drug Charge
A North Carolina woman who was sentenced to 18 years for the death and dismemberment of her stepdaughter, 10-year-old Zahra Baker, has entered a guilty plea to federal charges of conspiracy to sell drugs. Elisa Baker admitting distributing more than 50,000 prescription drug pills between 2006 and 2010. She faces up to 20 years for the drug charge.

Doctor Arrested in Painkiller Overdoses
A California doctor linked to a dozen drug-related overdose deaths has been arrested by the DEA on federal drug trafficking charges. Dr. Julio Diaz, 63, has been the subject of a federal investigation for several years, authorities said.

'Synthetic' Weed Is Problem for US Military
U.S. Military officials have become alarmed over the increased use of herbal products known as fake marijuana such as "Spice." More than 1,100 suspected users have been investigated in the past 12 months and a new aggressive testing program has been launched in the armed forces.