Paula Abdul Dismisses Drug Addiction Reports

6 months ago 08th May 07:49

American Idol judge Paula Abdul has refuted reports she was ever addicted to painkillers - insisting recent comments she made about her drug use have been misconstrued.

The singer-turned-TV star revealed she had a longrunning battle with prescription drugs and checked into a California spa in a bid to kick her habit in a new Ladies' Homes Journal magazine interview.

The article also detailed the withdrawal symptoms Abdul suffered when she attempted to wean herself off the painkillers, which she started taking after suffering agony following a car accident and plane crash in 1992 and 1993 respectively.

She was quoted as saying, ""I was freezing cold, then sweating hot, then chattering and in so much pain. It was excruciating. But, at my very core, I did not like existing the way I had been. I could have killed myself."

I was freezing cold, then sweating hot, then chattering and in so much pain. It was excruciating. But, at my very core, I did not like existing the way I had been. I could have killed myself.

But Abdul has now spoken out to clarify her comments - and she is adamant she has never struggled with drug addiction, as reported.

She says, "It was very stressful for me to hear that and to be quoted saying something I never said. I've never checked into a rehab clinic.

I've never been addicted (to) or abused drugs, and I've never been addicted (to) or abused alcohol. I've never even been drunk in my life."

And she insists she never told the magazine she checked into a spa for a rehab stint: "It's a spa. I was there for almost three days having fun, doing spa stuff. It's not a clinic. It's not a detox place. It's a luxurious spa. It's like taking a mini vacation.

"I just wanted to chill out and get massages and maybe a manicure and pedicure."

In related news the American Idol judge helped raise awareness for a guide dogs charity at a recent ceremony, by learning what it's like to rely on a canine companion.

The singer handed over seven new highly-trained pooches to blind U.S.

military veterans at a doggy graduation ceremony at the Guide Dogs of the Desert facility in Palm Springs, California last month (Apr09).

And she took the time to go through a training course, while blindfolded, so she could appreciate how reliant blind people are on guide dogs.

Abdul said, "The independence and mobility that a guide dog can bring a blind person is immeasurable. Seeing how vital these dogs are, and learning how much time and energy goes into training just one, is awe-inspiring."

According to the National Enquirer, Abdul also plans to hand over a guide dog to blind American Idol finalist Scott McIntyre.

A source tells the tabloid, "Paula was deeply moved by Scott's story."