(Los Angeles, CA – December 19, 2013) – Amber Portwood, the one-time star of MTV’s “16 and Pregnant” and “Teen Mom” series, will sit-down for her first television interview since being released from prison, this Friday, December 20 (check local listings).  Dr. Phil and Amber discuss her struggles and anger issues as well as why she chose to serve time in prison rather than spend time in a court-ordered drug rehab.

Portwood became one of MTV’s most notorious teens on television because of her bad behavior.  There were times on the reality series where she was seen violently slapping her boyfriend Gary and screaming at him.  She tells Dr. Phil she was on drugs the entire time she was on “Teen Mom.”  She admits during the taping that it is the first television interview she has done while sober.   

The violence Portwood displayed on “Teen Mom” caught the attention of law enforcement authorities and in late 2010 she was arrested for domestic battery.  Following the incident, Gary was granted full custody of their child and Portwood found herself in more trouble for probation violations and drug use.  She was given the option of continuing with drug court or going to prison and, to the surprise of many, Portwood chose the latter.  She was released last month after serving 17 months of her five-year sentence. 

Portwood reveals to Dr. Phil that her drug use during rehab and her bouts with depression made her think twice about the decision to go to jail.  In addition, Portwood discloses whether there was ever a sex tape in the making and if she and Gary are getting back together.    

Dr. Phil offers Portwood a bit of advice on her sobriety, telling her to “have something to move towards which is being there for all of her (daughter Leah’s) recitals and soccer games and all of the things that you should share with her.  That gives you a reason to get up and get high on her instead of something else.”

A clip is available at: http://cbspressexpress.com/cbs-television-distribution/shows/dr-phil/video

Above photo: Amber Portwood and Dr. Phil McGraw. Photo is available in high resolution on CBS Press Express.

Credit footage and photo to: CBS Television Distribution / Peteski Productions

The syndicated series, DR. PHIL, was created by Harpo Productions, and is produced by Peteski Productions in association with CBS Television Distribution.  DR. PHIL, entering its 12th season, is the #1 ranked syndicated daytime talk show, a position held since the conclusion of The Oprah Winfrey Show in May, 2011.