VH1 has announced it has ordered Rehab with Dr. Drew, a new non-celebrity version of its Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew series, which will premiere this summer.
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Rehab with Dr. Drew will follow a similar format to Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew, as a group of addicts volunteer to be treated by David Drew "Dr. Drew" Pinsky and his staff -- undergoing detoxification and treatment at The Pasadena Recovery Center in attempt to get clean and sober.
However, unlike the network's celebrity version, the new eight-episode series will not utilize famous faces but feature regular adults in their twenties and thirties undergoing the same treatment for their substance abuse issues instead. According to VH1, it opted for a different type of cast to be counseled by Dr. Drew after home viewers had reached out to the network for years seeking assistance for their own addictions.
"This show has always resonated with our viewers but we feel this expanded format will hold up a mirror to our core audience and hopefully give them some new insight to this disease that touches almost everyone -- whether they are struggling with addiction themselves or know someone who is," VH1 executive Jeff Olde said in a statement.
"I am so excited to once again have the opportunity to educate viewers about the deadly disease of addiction. More than 85 million Americans are affected by addiction, whether they've faced the disease themselves or have supported family members or friends through a substance abuse issue. The stigma and shame associated with drug and alcohol addiction prevents many from getting the help that they need," Dr. Drew explained. "It is my sincere hope that this show will encourage people who are struggling to seek the help. Treatment works and there is hope and recovery is possible."
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Last summer, RadarOnline reported that Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew wouldn't be returning for a sixth season because Dr. Drew was just too busy to take on the responsibilities.
Rehab With Dr. Drew is being executive produced by John Irwin and Damian Sullivan for Irwin Entertainment, and Dr. Drew, Olde, Howard Lapides, Jill Holmes, and Tom Huffman for VH1.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski