Charlie Sheen: No Laughing Matter

Charlie Sheen is everywhere. Networks tout the latest interview or a new exclusive, as the sitcom star talks (often nonsensically) about having tiger blood and winning at everything he attempts. His grandiose statements, new live-in porn star and model girlfriends he calls “the goddesses” and rejection of any formal recovery methods have made him the punch line of too many jokes to count. We may find it uncomfortable to laugh along, but it’s also hard to look away.

Are we turning a very sad and public meltdown into entertainment? Some experts (none of whom are treating Sheen personally) suggest Sheen is manic, possibly pointing to bi-polar disorder. Sheen refutes this, instead insisting he’s “bi-winning,” and seems to have no interest in medication or treatment for that disorder. But the pros know that mental health issues like depression, bi-polar and trauma often go hand in hand with substance abuse issues. These co-occurring disorders feed off each other and should be treated together at a dual diagnosis center like La Paloma for the best results when it comes to long-term sobriety.

Does Attention Feed Destruction?

While the media continues to rush to Sheen’s house daily to get his take on the latest developments in the story (at press time that was the removal of his twin boys from the home, after his ex-wife filed a restraining order), others are concerned that the attention is only feeding into his condition and his eventual destruction. Are we witnessing a public meltdown, and if so, is there anything that can be done to stop it?

Sheen has tested clean recently for drug use, but watching him through this process gives a glimpse into what the family members of an addicted individual go through. You see the problem, but you can’t force someone to get help they don’t want and don't believe they need. So is the answer to look away? It won’t help Sheen, but at least we won’t feel we’re playing a part in a very public meltdown. In the end, we can only hope that the situation leads to a greater public awareness of addiction and co-occurring disorders, and results in others getting help.

Co-occurring Disorder Treatment

If you or someone you love is battling an addiction or co-occurring disorder, call La Paloma at our toll-free number. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.