Ford blames addiction for actions

Rob Ford has now admitted he has a problem — and says he needs to deal with his addiction. But during an interview this week — Ford blamed his disease for racist and homophobic comments he’s made in the past.

An addiction counsellor we spoke to is an addict who is 20-years sober. He says the road to recovery means taking responsibility. During an interview with the CBC, Ford blamed inebriation for repeatedly using homophobic and racist terms: “I think that goes along with having this disease. It’s a chronic medical condition that I never understood and you do things, you say things that just aren’t you.”

The mayor said all he can do is apologize and deal with his disease.

But addictions counselor Mark Elliot — who is a reformed cocaine addict and alcoholic — says it’s very easy to blame your addiction: “Walk into any 12 step meeting and there is a sign that says “I am responsible. I think you can say some pretty disgusting things when you’re drunk. You can say some awfully disgusting things when you’re stoned, but somewhere in your heart of hearts they’re true.”

Since his return, Ford has come under scrutiny for controlling his media appearances. His Monday press conference was by invite only. And then later in the week, Ford cancelled scheduled one on one interviews with at least two media outlets after sitting down with the CBC and CP24. Reports say the mayor instead, wants to focus on his campaign.

Mark says: “Well I’m sorry. If he can’t handle the pressure of a couple of interviews about his sobriety, how the hell is he going to handle the pressure of a campaign to be mayor of Toronto.”

Elliot says when you’re in rehab, you’re in an artificial environment. He says that means Monday was Ford’s first real day of being sober.

And if he were Ford’s counsellor, Elliot says he would never have allowed him to return to work: “He is newly sober. And very delicate. And he has a long road to go.”

Elliot, who is also a radio broadcaster on Newstalk 1010, says it took him four years to talk to the press after becoming sober — and it was difficult even then. For Ford, it’s only been a couple of months.