Dr. Drew Pinsky contends that Presley Gerber, the son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, belonged in a psychiatric hospital rather than a rehabilitation center, according to remarks he made on "The TMZ Podcast." The comments were reported by TMZ.com on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
Speaking to TMZ, Dr. Drew said the model may have fared better in a hospital setting because he appeared ill-equipped to manage the medications he reportedly was taking. Presley was reportedly using what Dr. Drew characterized as a "deadly combination" — Suboxone, a medication prescribed to treat opioid addiction, taken alongside benzodiazepines. Presley himself apparently acknowledged the combination in a 2025 Instagram video that has since been deleted.
The physician placed the blame on systemic failures rather than individual choices, noting that even patients with substantial financial means — such as Presley, whose mother is a supermodel and whose father is a businessman — cannot always find their way to appropriate treatment.
Dr. Drew also directed sharp criticism at luxury rehabilitation facilities, arguing that they devote a greater share of their budgets to creating a comfortable atmosphere than to the clinical needs of the people they treat.
According to Dr. Drew, famous individuals such as Presley and actress Hayden Panettiere frequently face heightened shame and trauma, factors that can complicate recovery from substance use disorders.
Additional clips from the interview feature Dr. Drew discussing approaches that might improve outcomes for individuals battling addiction and substance abuse.