Dr. Drew Pinsky Cites 'Red Flag' in Presley Gerber's Addiction Treatment

Addiction specialist Dr. Drew Pinsky has identified a critical concern in the addiction treatment of Presley Gerber, son of Cindy Crawford, highlighting a perceived trend of patients dictating their own care as a potential danger.

Gerber, 27, died on September 20 at a rehabilitation facility in California. His death has prompted discussions about the effectiveness of treatment resources, particularly when individuals with access to extensive care succumb to substance use disorder. Pinsky stated on his podcast, "Ask Dr. Drew," that he found it concerning when the patient appeared to be determining aspects of their own treatment, calling it "never good."

One treatment mentioned was Gerber's self-reported trip to Mexico for an "ibogaine flood." Ibogaine is a psychoactive compound derived from an African shrub that has been studied for its potential in treating substance use disorders. However, it is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is classified as a Schedule I substance due to documented risks, including fatal heart arrhythmias. Pinsky expressed skepticism about alternative treatments like ibogaine, noting that patients he has seen who used it often relapsed on opioids and experienced personality changes.

Pinsky argued that Gerber's case exemplifies a dangerous scenario where individuals struggling with severe substance use disorder may bypass established medical protocols in favor of unproven alternative therapies. He emphasized that even high-end rehabilitation centers cannot unilaterally halt severe opioid dependence.

"Opioid addiction is progressive and it ends in death," Pinsky stated. "Even with good treatment, it has a worse prognosis than most cancers ... If they are not moving toward recovery, they are moving toward demise."

While official toxicology results are pending, emergency dispatch logs indicate that 911 was called to Gerber's facility for a suspected overdose and cardiac arrest. Addiction expert Dr. Nicholas Kardaris, CEO of the New York Center for Living, noted that the period within or immediately after rehabilitation can be particularly perilous. Relapse during this time, he explained, can be fatal due to a lowered tolerance.

Medical experts advocate for families seeking help for loved ones to utilize evidence-based treatments from qualified providers. This includes considering FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorders, such as buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone, when appropriate. They stress the importance of relying on licensed facilities that adhere to established medical standards rather than allowing patients to solely direct their treatment plans.