Gerard Butler Talks Rehab

Gorgeous (but down-to-earth, you know?) “Chasing Mavericks” star Gerard Butler has opened up about his rehab stint.

It may not be for what you expected--"I haven't had a drink in 15 years,” says the star. Instead he was admitted for a growing addiction to pain killers stemming from an injury in 2007. He was reinjured filming the surfing flick last December.

Butler admits that he returned to pain killers. “I started taking more, and I started taking them very quickly.” But he decided to seek help  before his dependence became a full-blown addiction.

“I was actually taking a minimal amount when I went in [to the Betty Ford Clinic]. It was more about becoming a mental warrior and not letting pain bother you. The [instructor] would say, ‘I don't want to hear about your f*king MRIs or your f*king X-rays…Let's learn how to say to the pain, 'F*k you.'”

Does the actor have any regrets? None.

"Maybe a stronger person wouldn't have needed to go. When you hear the word rehab, you think, ‘He's a mess, he's f*ked up.' But I'm glad I did it. I've made a s*itload of wrong decisions in my life. But I know I've made some right ones as well… They really do rip you apart. But it's like spring cleaning, you know? You get rid of a bunch of sh*t, realize a bunch more sh*t, and you make a plan."

"I think, on a basic level, I have a pretty addictive personality," Butler admits "Both good and bad."

Good for Butler for getting the help he needed. And just a reminder, Gerry… I’m here if you need me. Call any time.