'It's Like Pouring Gasoline on a Fire:' Alexis Haines of Pretty Wild on the Perils of Celebrity Addiction

This week, we step back from our usual jokes, laughter, and gentle but well-meaning judgment about celebrities, their foibles, and the curious choices in romantic partners to focus on something a little more serious.

In the wake of Demi Lovato’s recent relapse out of sobriety and the current opioid crisis, we decided to take a look at the business of celebrity rehab industry with none other than Alexis Haines (née Neiers), who is likely more familiar to most as the teen from Pretty Wild, pictured above, who was also a member of the Bling Ring. Haines got sober at 19 after a struggle with addiction, and is now an intern at Alo House, a treatment center in Malibu.

Haines and Maddie sat down for a wide-ranging conversation about the addiction industry, treatment, and staying sober when the nature of fame makes it hard.

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This episode was produced by Levi Sharpe. Mandana Mofidi is our Executive Director of Audio. A very special thanks to Rachel Withers and Alexis Haines. Our theme music is by Stuart Wood. This episode was mixed by Jamie Collazzo.