Mayor Rob Ford is not receiving treatment for drug or alcohol abuse

He is "seeking professional help," but only for weight loss

Published November 19, 2013 2:58PM (EST)

Embattled Toronto Mayor Rob Ford has had a busy few days, packed with appearances on three American media outlets, his own television show in Canada and two chaotic city council meetings that all but ousted him from his current position. Despite all of this, however, Ford, who has admitted to smoking crack, abusing alcohol and driving drunk, and most recently knocked over a council woman during an altercation, plans to run for reelection and has aspirations to run for prime minister. On Tuesday, he said that he was not receiving treatment for possible drug addiction.

In an interview on the "Today" show, Matt Lauer asked Ford point-blank if he is in "any drug treatment program," to which Ford said, "No."

"I have a weight issue," said Ford. "I've been training every day. All I can say, Matt, is that actions speak louder than words."

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By Prachi Gupta

Prachi Gupta is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on pop culture. Follow her on Twitter at @prachigu or email her at pgupta@salon.com.

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Alcohol Canada Crack Cocaine Drugs Mayor Rob Ford Politics Rob Ford Toronto Video