If Helen of Troy had the face that launched a thousand ships, then the British paper News of the World that recently published a photo of Michael Phelps has surely launched a thousand hits.
Of course, the hits that I am referring to are the countless number of Web site visits and Internet searches that have resulted from the the photo showing the Olympian using a bong while visiting the University of South Carolina.
Phelps displayed the speed we have all come to expect from him when he responded to the picture by releasing the following statement:
"I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment. I'm 23 years old and despite the successes I've had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again."
A collection of Phelps' sponsors have responded nearly as quickly. Omega watches struck first, using harsh words such as "non-issue" when describing Phelps' drug use.
Speedo let the world know exactly where Phelps stands with them. Michael Phelps is still a "valued member of the team," according to a spokesperson for the swimwear designer.
We knew it was only a matter of time before the International Olympic Committee (IOC) laid down the law.
Sure enough, the IOC is now on record expressing its confidence in Phelps' "sincerity and commitment to continue to act as a role model."
Quoting Will Ferrell as the melodramatic Mugatu in Zoolander: "I feel like I'm taking crazy pills!"
In the realm of addiction, an enabler is anyone who, by his or her actions, allows for an individual to continue in maladaptive or destructive behaviors. This is often done by providing money, making excuses for, or otherwise rescuing a person who is using.
Make no mistake: Omega watches, Speedo, the IOC, the talk radio hosts like Colin Cowherd of ESPN (who states that laws against marijuana use are merely "suggestions"), and those comfortable with Phelps simply apologizing and moving on are all enabling Phelps.
These organizations are complicit in the spread of illegal and dangerous drug use that runs rampant in America.
But wait—isn't Phelps a young guy who is entitled to make a mistake?
Yes, he is, and he made that mistake in November of 2004 when he was arrested in Salisbury, Maryland for a DUI. Once is a mistake, twice is a pattern.
What's the big deal? Marijuana isn't even addictive, much less dangerous, right? Wrong.
Marijuana meets criteria set by the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization, and qualifies as an addictive substance.
"The evidence on marijuana as being harmful is as strong as the evidence on tobacco was 20 years ago," said Dr. Michael Dennis, an expert on adolescents with drug and alcohol issues. Dennis was featured in the HBO series Addiction
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