The death of Presley Gerber at 27 has stirred discussions on overdose risks, withdrawal issues, and the challenges of addiction recovery. Son of model Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, Presley passed away at a California rehabilitation facility, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office.
A family representative emphasized privacy during this difficult time. Audio recordings indicated a 911 call on the morning of Presley’s death, reporting a cardiac arrest at a location in Berkeley Street, with dispatch suggesting a potential overdose. An autopsy was completed, but the official cause of death remains undetermined pending further tests.
Presley had openly shared his struggles with substance use and mental health. Nicholas Kardaris, Ph.D., CEO and chief clinical officer at the New York Center for Living, discussed general risks related to relapse and overdose in addiction cases with Fox News Digital. He clarified that he has not treated Presley and is not linked to his case.
Understanding Recovery Risks
Kardaris mentioned that Presley’s death, while at a rehabilitation facility, doesn’t necessarily correlate with substance-related incidents. Other possibilities could include undisclosed medical conditions or medication-related complications. He noted that young individuals in treatment often have complex medical backgrounds that might not be apparent initially.
Entering treatment doesn’t equal recovery or eliminate all dangers. Facilities strive to provide controlled environments, but complete risk elimination, especially regarding addiction and withdrawal, is challenging, Kardaris explained. Despite protocols against substance entry, the system is imperfect.
Withdrawal: A Hidden Threat
Withdrawal during rehab poses another significant risk. Kardaris explained that discomfort or life-threatening situations might arise from withdrawal, depending on the substance and physical dependence. Benzodiazepines and alcohol pose severe withdrawal risks, potentially leading to seizures and delirium. Opioid withdrawal, while uncomfortable, is generally not fatal on its own, he said.
An individual’s tolerance decreases post-detox, increasing overdose risk if pre-treatment substance amounts are resumed, Kardaris warned. Such scenarios must be approached with caution to prevent fatal complications.
Ibogaine and Alternative Treatments
Presley Gerber had shared undergoing ibogaine treatment in Mexico on social media. Kardaris cautioned that ibogaine is not FDA-approved in the U.S. While researched for opioid use disorder treatment, its safety remains uncertain. This substance falls into a category with other psychedelic elements like ketamine and ayahuasca, which, despite potential benefits, lack stringent regulation and approval for psychiatric use in the U.S.
Families considering treatment centers should ensure proper licensing and vet policies concerning withdrawal management and emergency protocols. Kardaris emphasized the importance of well-regarded treatment programs with qualified professionals due to the presence of unreliable operators in the industry.
Story compiled by Melissa Rudy, senior health editor at Fox News Digital.