Former Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum announced Sunday that he planned to enter rehab for alcohol abuse.
Andrew Gillum says he’s entering rehab pic.twitter.com/KDHW7wROZa
— Sam Stein (@samstein) March 15, 2020
Gillum’s statement read, in part:
After conversation with my family and deep reflection, I have made the decision to seek help, guidance and enter a rehabilitation facility at this time. This has been a wake-up call for me. Since my race for governor ended, I fell into a depression that has led to alcohol abuse. I witnessed my father suffer from alcoholism and I know the Damaging effects it can have when untreated. I also know that alcoholism is often a symptom of deeper struggles. I am committed to doing the personal work to heal fully and show up in the world as a more complete person.
Gillum also offered an apology to his family and friends as well as the people of Florida, asking that people respect his family’s privacy.
The former Tallahassee mayor’s announcement came just days after it was reported that Gillum had been found in a hotel room with a male companion and crystal meth. (RELATED: Andrew Gillum Found ‘Inebriated’ At Suspected Crystal-Meth Incident: Police)
BREAKING: Days after police say they found him in a South Beach hotel room with a collapsed companion and baggies of crystal meth, former Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum announced plans Sunday night to enter rehab for alcohol abuse.https://t.co/XXVj6VBzi3
— Miami Herald (@MiamiHerald) March 16, 2020