Following the news of Presley Gerber’s passing at 27 while at a rehabilitation center in California, many began to question how someone with access to comprehensive treatment options could succumb to addiction. Dr. Drew Pinsky, an addiction specialist, pointed out that Gerber’s situation underscores the serious, progressive nature of substance use disorders and critiques a troubling trend in modern treatment: letting patients take control of their care decisions.
“What really alarmed me when I heard [Gerber’s] video was the suggestion that the patient seemed to influence some aspects of his treatment,” Pinsky remarked on his podcast, “Ask Dr. Drew.” He added, “That’s not a good sign.”
Pinsky highlighted Gerber’s self-admitted journey to Mexico for an “ibogaine flood,” which involves a high-dose treatment with ibogaine—a psychoactive substance from a shrub found in Africa that some hope might help with addiction, although it hasn’t received FDA approval.
“I’ve had patients use ibogaine or ayahuasca for a long time, and honestly, there’s nothing miraculous about it,” Pinsky cautioned, remarking that he often sees those who try such alternative treatments relapse into opioid use, frequently undergoing significant personality changes as a result.
In the U.S., ibogaine remains classified as a Schedule I substance due to its potential dangers, including life-threatening heart rhythm issues as noted by health authorities.
Pinsky believes that the circumstances surrounding Gerber’s death reflect a larger issue where patients grappling with severe substance use disorders often sidestep established medical protocols in favor of risky alternative therapies.
Responding to public disbelief that a young model could die while receiving treatment, Pinsky stated that luxury rehabilitation facilities can’t magically resolve severe opioid dependency.
“Opioid addiction is a progressive illness that inevitably leads to death,” he underscored. “Even with quality treatment, the outlook is worse than that of many cancers. If patients aren’t progressing toward recovery, they’re likely on a path to decline.”
While the official toxicology report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office is still awaited, emergency records suggest that 911 was called to Gerber’s facility due to a suspected overdose and cardiac arrest.
Dr. Nicholas Kardaris, a recovery expert and CEO of the New York Center for Living, emphasized that the time frame during and immediately after rehab is often the riskiest for patients.
Pinsky warns that allowing individuals battling addiction to choose their treatment can often sabotage recovery and lead to detrimental outcomes. “Just because someone is in rehab doesn’t mean they’re free of addiction,” Kardaris told Fox News Digital, noting that relapsing patients can face fatal consequences due to their lowered tolerance to substances.
Medical professionals recommend that families seeking help for loved ones should opt for evidence-based treatment from licensed providers, including the use of FDA-approved medications for addressing opioid use disorders, like buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone, where suitable.
