The once super-hot Richie Sambora checked in for detox, not rehab, which explains the very short stint at UCLA.

On Today this morning, Sambora told Matt Lauer that he checked himself in because he was drinking too much and that he’s still in therapy. Sambora said he’s doing well and getting "life back together."

Guess that’s how grown-ups handle the "partying too much" thang. Are you paying attention Britney and Lindsay?

Read more and see video…

Richie Sambora slipped back into society as quietly as he checked out. His reps have released a statement reporting the big news.

"Richie Sambora has completed a program at the UCLA Medical Center," a rep for Bon Jovi confirmed. "He is doing well and continues to receive outside support."

At least they’re consistent. Kudos to Sambora and his people for not using the word "rehab" and having his name added to the growing list of celebs checking in and out of programs willy nilly.

No matter the "treatment," one week was long enough. Richie’s gotta hate missing valuable sunbathing time.

Let’s just assume that’s a euphemism.  How trendy!

After his break up with Denise Richards a few months ago, Richie Sambora news has dwindled.  We hadn’t really missed the beach photos and outdoor cafe smoochy photo ops.  Go figure.

Tongues began wagging after Sambora appeared quite out of it during the taping of an episode of MTV’s Unplugged Tuesday.

Now comes news from People that he’s entered rehab a treatment facility.  Apparently, Sambora hasn’t been doing so well.

"Richie has had a terrible year," a close friend of the musician tells PEOPLE. "I think this was a culmination of all these things and finally he realized he needed to take care of himself. He’d put off everything for so long taking care of everyone else it was just time to stop and deal with his issues."

We really hate to be insensitive at such a trying time, but are we the only ones who saw this coming from a mile away? Look at that picture above.  It’s only about two years old, but Richie looks a decade younger than he has of late.

He has been through a lot; the divorce from the super hot Heather Locklear is just part of it.  Regardless of what the "condition" that led him to treatment turns out to be, let’s hope he gets really good care.

Read more…

Denise Richards and Richie Sambora announced today that they have split, two months ago. Denise’s rep told In Touch that the couple didn’t want to make it public, "because they lived through public divorces and it was very painful."

Relationships born from cheating never last. Hopefully they can build healthier relationships in the future.

Richie Sambora (47) is hesitant to go forward with his relationship with Denise Richards (35) until she settled things with Charlie Sheen (41). “Richie is happy, but the only thing holding him back was the drama between Denise and Charlie,” says a source. “He expressed this to Denise.”

A second source adds, Sambora has “a surprisingly good relationship” these days with his ex, Heather Locklear (45). “They stay in touch for the sake of their daughter Ava (9),” adds the insider. “She’s the most important thing to the both of them.”

Hopefully Richards next boyfriend will stop her from taking all of Sambora’s money if they get married then divorced. The fact that Richards was so vicious in the first place, should be a giant red flag telling Samora to stay away from Richards (a.k.a trouble).