Lindsay Lohan Faces Risk of Relapse Without Ongoing Addiction Treatment According to Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center

CHICAGO, Aug. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- While Lindsay Lohan's doctors say a personality disorder misdiagnosed as an addiction is the root of her problems, a medical expert from Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center suggests further ongoing addiction treatment will still be needed to save her life.

Kimberly Dennis, M.D., medical director for Timberline Knolls and a psychiatrist who specializes in treatment for addiction and mood disorders, believes Lohan has exhibited the symptoms of a woman suffering from the deadly disease of addiction for years. People who suffer with substance abuse/dependence very commonly have co-occurring disorders, including personality disorders. (Dr. Dennis is not Lohan's physician.)

"There tends to be significant denial and minimization of addiction by society in general, and even among health care professionals. While I'm relying on what's been reported in the media, I find it hard to believe the reports from doctors who would not give a diagnosis of substance abuse or dependence, in this instance," says Dr. Dennis. "Lindsay is someone who could easily die of the disease without ongoing, integrated addiction treatment and recovery efforts addressing her relationship with drugs and alcohol, as well as the personality disorder."

"One sign of addiction is continual use of drugs and alcohol in the face of catastrophic problems…and she's done that," says Dr. Dennis. Many times the public was told that Lindsay was absent when expected in court or on set. During these times, the actress failed to meet legal and job obligations. "Media reports that in the context of major challenges in her life, Lindsay Lohan has continued to abuse multiple substances."

Adds Dr. Dennis, "The fact that Lindsay's been in treatment is positive, but it doesn't solve all of her problems. Recovery must be attended to daily."

About Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center

Timberline Knolls is one of the leading private residential treatment centers for eating disorders, alcoholism, and drug abuse, with or without a dual diagnosis, co-occurring disorder or trauma. Expert treatment staff offers a nurturing environment of recovery for women and girls (ages 12 and older) on a wooded 43-acre campus in suburban Chicago. For more information on Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, call us at 877.257.9611.

SOURCE Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center