Charlie Sheen, AA, drugs, and the soul

[HardDrive]

Is Charlie Sheen a drug addict? The whole world answers 'Well Duh!' in unison. I'm not so sure.

Is Charlie Sheen abusing drugs/alcohol/sex? Massively. No doubt. He has railed against AA, and says he has it under control. I don't think he has it under control. He's in a spiral down.

But there is something that bugs me about the whole thing. When I was in college, my parents, unable to get me to even pick up the phone and talk to them anymore, insisted I go to a one week AA treatment. I was throw in with people that had crashed 10 cars, been arrested on a monthly basis, spousal abusers. It was nuts. Was I abusing alcohol at the time? You betcha. Big time. But the whole experience made everything far, far worse. Now in addition to the incredible rage and sorrow that I already felt at what was happening in my family, I carried around this horrible label of alcoholic. This offered up new waves of guilt and shame that I could use to bash myself with.

I'm going to spare you the story, but I've made some huge changes in my life in the last 5 years. I suppose drinking a lot less is a peripheral benefit, but that is a small part of a much larger picture. And that picture is one of spiritual healing. Making choices about how I'm going to spend that second half of my life, and what I wanted to look back and see when I'm on my death bed. Making choices about how I'm going to treat my daughter and my wife, and the people around me.

My story is not the point. My point is that all of that AA talk, and that identification with alcoholism was a HUGE burden to making any progress. Instead of making any real progress, it was easier just to accept the label, and get remain caught in a cycle of shame and anxiety.

I'm sure there are people reading this who's lives, or the lives of their loved ones, were literally saved by AA. I'm not saying AA doesn't work, because it clearly DOES work for some. But it seems like a treatment method that resembles a hammer, and everything looks like a nail.

When I look at Charlie Sheen, I see a guy who is spiritually bankrupt, and all the drug/alcohol/sex addiction is simply medication to cover the hole in his soul.

What do you think?

[GH85Carrera]

I think he is a RICH jerk that never grew up mentally. He enjoys hookers & blow more than anything else in his life.

[Crowbob]

Agreed. For some the solution is accepting they are NOT powerless over their addiction.

[URY914]

He said he has tiger blood. Maybe that's the difference.

[dhoward]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

I think he is a RICH jerk that never grew up mentally. He enjoys hookers & blow more than anything else in his life.

+1
Where do I sign up?

[attamz]

I'd say he's just bored

[Jeff Higgins]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

He enjoys hookers & blow more than anything else in his life.

I would have to try that out for awhile before I condemn him.

[Seahawk]

I try and not handicap another man's vices lest they judge mine...nor their virtues.

[Rick Lee]

Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins

I would have to try that out for awhile before I condemn him.

Definitely a "walk a mile in his shoes" kind of thing. I'd have a lot less respect for Charlie if he appeared miserable and unable to get a handle on things. But he appears to be having a blast. I especially appreciate unapologetic people. I wish I could make as many haters come out of the woodwork as Charlie does. It'd be very satisfying.

[HardDrive]

No one stops doing cocaine because it makes you feel bad. It doesn't. You feel great. But the aftermath is very ugly. I only did it a bit when I was in college. Not much scares me off, but what was happening to those folks sure did. Lives ruined.

[cbush]

yes, he seems so happy

[Burnin' oil]

I'm going to try a tiger bar this afternoon. Wish me luck.

In regard to Charlie, I just can't generate any interest. There are almost 7 billion people on this planet. Of all those people, why should I care about Charlie Sheen? Why have an opinion on what he does or does not do? My only response is that I don't want his lifestyle for me or my kids.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by Burnin' oil

I'm going to try a tiger bar this afternoon. Wish me luck.

In regard to Charlie, I just can't generate any interest. There are almost 7 billion people on this planet. Of all those people, why should I care about Charlie Sheen? Why have an opinion on what he does or does not do? My only response is that I don't want his lifestyle for me or my kids.

+1000000

I feel that way about all the hollywood celebs.

I have never watched his TV show. He had a few funny movies. I just can't possibly care less about the guy.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

No one stops doing cocaine because it makes you feel bad. It doesn't. You feel great. But the aftermath is very ugly. I only did it a bit when I was in college. Not much scares me off, but what was happening to those folks sure did. Lives ruined.

I wonder how many people claiming Charlie is "living the good life" have actual tried coke and washing it down with straight vodka?

Doesn't sound like fun to me.

I don't hate the guy... and the show was pretty funny at times (two and a half men)

[dhoward]

It's fun.

[AFC-911]

I wonder how many people have CS on their death pool?

Let's be honest, it's all downhill from here.

[tabs]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

Is Charlie Sheen a drug addict? The whole world answers 'Well Duh!' in unison. I'm not so sure.

Is Charlie Sheen abusing drugs/alcohol/sex? Massively. No doubt. He has railed against AA, and says he has it under control. I don't think he has it under control. He's in a spiral down.

But there is something that bugs me about the whole thing. When I was in college, my parents, unable to get me to even pick up the phone and talk to them anymore, insisted I go to a one week AA treatment. I was throw in with people that had crashed 10 cars, been arrested on a monthly basis, spousal abusers. It was nuts. Was I abusing alcohol at the time? You betcha. Big time. But the whole experience made everything far, far worse. Now in addition to the incredible rage and sorrow that I already felt at what was happening in my family, I carried around this horrible label of alcoholic. This offered up new waves of guilt and shame that I could use to bash myself with.

I'm going to spare you the story, but I've made some huge changes in my life in the last 5 years. I suppose drinking a lot less is a peripheral benefit, but that is a small part of a much larger picture. And that picture is one of spiritual healing. Making choices about how I'm going to spend that second half of my life, and what I wanted to look back and see when I'm on my death bed. Making choices about how I'm going to treat my daughter and my wife, and the people around me.

My story is not the point. My point is that all of that AA talk, and that identification with alcoholism was a HUGE burden to making any progress. Instead of making any real progress, it was easier just to accept the label, and get remain caught in a cycle of shame and anxiety.

I'm sure there are people reading this who's lives, or the lives of their loved ones, were literally saved by AA. I'm not saying AA doesn't work, because it clearly DOES work for some. But it seems like a treatment method that resembles a hammer, and everything looks like a nail.

When I look at Charlie Sheen, I see a guy who is spiritually bankrupt, and all the drug/alcohol/sex addiction is simply medication to cover the hole in his soul.

What do you think?

Sounds like U left home a boy, and with the freedom you went wild...what was the epiphany that made U grow up? For rhe AA folks it is about owning their dark side...that they self medicate to run away from themselves and their pain.

The only way to transcend is by owning your dark side...there is no perfection unless you are God. We as humans are frail creatures who in the scheme of things have but a moment in the sun. So what is an enduring quality?

btw this is the Readers Digest version.

[tabs]

As for Charlie..it seems that he gets tired of playing the game and every once in awhile goes on a bender.

This time around I think he might of had a psychotic break and is maniac, in his decision to go for being a "winner" and is" instantly cured". Or maybe he is just tired of playing the Hollywood game and just wants to be himself and is letting it all hang out? Time will tell.

[MT930]

I think if your going to ''Burn In'' you might as well make a big smoking hole.

The guy is clearly on the ragged edge, this type of behavior is pretty common with the Hollywood types. He just seems to get more attention than the others.

I really like the show its well done, The guy is just sideways with himself. He will pull out or not.

[tabs]

When thinking of the Sheens I always think of the Bridges boys..Jeff and Bo as a contrast...