Addiction Specialist Warns Against Risky Rehab Practices Following Presley Gerber’s Death

When news emerged about the death of Presley Gerber, Cindy Crawford’s 27-year-old son, at a California rehab facility, it raised significant concerns about addiction and treatment methods. Gerber’s case highlights troubling issues surrounding substance use disorder, as well as a contentious approach in modern treatment: allowing patients to decide their own care plans.

Dr. Drew Pinsky, a well-known addiction specialist, emphasized on his podcast, “Ask Dr. Drew,” that permitting patients to determine aspects of their treatment can be dangerous. He pointed out that Gerber’s self-reported experience with “ibogaine flood” treatment in Mexico demonstrated concerning autonomy over his therapy. Despite being studied for substance use disorders, ibogaine remains unapproved by the FDA due to its risks, including fatal heart arrhythmias.

Pinsky has encountered numerous patients who tried ibogaine or ayahuasca, noting that they almost universally relapsed on opioids and often experienced personality shifts. The unfortunate demise of Gerber at a Santa Monica facility further underscores the risks of relying on alternative therapies instead of proven medical protocols.

Addressing public shock at Gerber’s death within a treatment center, Pinsky reiterated that even top-tier rehab centers cannot instantly cure severe opioid dependency. For effective intervention, families must pursue evidence-based treatments from certified facilities that incorporate FDA-approved medications such as buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone for opioid use disorder.

Gerber’s case serves as a stark reminder that untreated or improperly managed opioid addiction can escalate to death. Despite advances in treatment, opioid addiction still has a poorer prognosis than many cancers, with potential outcomes ranging from recovery to demise.

Pending toxicology results from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office and emergent dispatch logs suggest that Gerber died from a suspected overdose and cardiac arrest. Dr. Nicholas Kardaris, an addiction expert, emphasized that the rehab period or immediately afterward poses significant risks for patients. He noted that relapse during treatment can turn an ordinary dose into a lethal one due to reduced tolerance.

Families seeking help for loved ones must prioritize established treatment methods and consult qualified providers to improve recovery chances. The use of FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorders should be considered, where appropriate.