LOS ANGELES, Jan. 31 (UPI) -- Former 1970s teen idol Leif Garrett Tuesday started his first full day in rehab to try and kick his addiction to heroin.
"Even though it wasn't court ordered, I've decided that I think the best way to start out the program and get a good foundation ... is to check in for 30 days," Garrett told ABC's "Good Morning America" Tuesday. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to get cleaned up."
Garrett pleaded not guilty to heroin possession after a Dec. 14 arrest in Los Angeles -- his third drug arrest in recent years. Once he gets out of rehab, he will enter a strict drug diversion program for violating probation.
Garrett, 44, said it was his decision to enter rehab and this time he is serious about getting clean.
"I think you have to be ready to quit within yourself," Garrett said. "If you're not, it doesn't matter what rehab you go to."
The former pop star admitted his drug use was out of control.
"It was the monkey on my back," he said. "Only I've come to realize it wasn't just a monkey, it was more like a gorilla."
