Betty Ford

Reading today of the death yesterday, July 8, of former U.S. First Lady Betty Ford, at 93, I'm reminded of how impressed I was when she spoke openly and candidly about her addictions to alcohol and other drugs--specifically painkillers.
I say 'other drugs' because I think many people don't realize or remember--or maybe don't want to believe--that alcohol is also a drug. Betty Ford knew that, however. In this regard, of course she also co-founded, and lent her name to the Betty Ford Center in California--which has become perhaps the most famous--and apparently one of the most well-regarded--rehabilitation facilities for "alcoholism and other drug dependencies" (http://www.bettyfordcenter.org/about-betty-ford-center/from-our-ceo.php). 

I believe Betty Ford must have had to be quite courageous to speak openly about her addictions as she did, especially considering her station in life; or perhaps she did so precisely because of her position and perceived influence.
In that context, did she seriously consider not discussing her personal problems publicly for fear of embarrassing herself or her family? If so, she clearly put those fears aside and followed her heart and gut--for better or worse--and did what she believed was the right thing for her to do: for herself, for her family, and perhaps even on a conscious level for others who might be influenced by her actions in trying to recover from their addictions.
In lending her name to the Betty Ford Center, she seems to have decided that her name and perceived social status might have a positive influence on others seeking to exorcise their own troubles related to addictions. 

I've sometimes wondered if Betty Ford's candor about her own addictions and other related personal problems--such as low self-esteem--directly or indirectly led to the proliferation over the years of so-called reality T.V. shows; which appear to actually be carefully staged and choreographed, as opposed to events happening spontaneously in 'real life.'
If so, I suggest this is one of the drawbacks of the prevailing culture of self-revelation that many people have embraced, allegedly in the spirit of 'honesty and openness;' but more likely in the spirit of getting rich and famous.
That didn't seem to be Betty Ford's style. She was already world-famous when she spoke publicly about her own struggles with alcohol and other drugs, so presumably she didn't need the notoriety or recognition from the public. And I'm guessing she didn't need the money. No, tooting her own horn for the sake of getting self-serving publicity really didn't appear to be her way of doing things.
Yet, she did a lot and left her mark nevertheless--through her own recovery, and co-founding the rehabilitation facility that bears her name, and the implicit encouragement she gave to countless people around the world that they too, could try to kick their own addictions and other demons and try to live a better, healthier, and more-productive life.
In this context, it's widely believed that Betty Ford's candor about her own addictions has led many others around the world to face their own troubles and come clean--and more importantly to try to get clean--from their own reliance on their drug(s) of choice or circumstance.
All of them can't and don't go to the Betty Ford Center, however, perhaps because they live too far away and/or can't afford it; although many of the rich and richer in the entertainment business can and do--no doubt because they have the money required.
After all, time and help at the Betty Ford Center don't come cheaply. According to a website for the Center (http://www.bettyfordcenter.org/why-choose-betty-ford-center/all-inclusive-pricing/index.php) prices can be as high as US $65,300 or as low as US $40.00, depending on the type and length of treatment involved, and the age and sex of the patient.
In fairness, the website also states no child--stipulated as being between the ages of seven and 12--will ever be turned away for not being able to pay.
Finally, I always enjoyed seeing pictures of Betty Ford and her late husband, former President Gerald Ford. To me, from 'the outside looking in,' they looked comfortable with each other; as though they enjoyed being with each other.
Interestingly, President Ford also died at the age of 93, in 2006--the same as his wife when she died yesterday. Coincidence?