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Shia: "I Don't Know How to Have One Drink"

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

The 22-year-old Indiana Jones actor's interview in September's issue of Details magazine was given before his DUI and contains some eerie foreshadowing. Is his dad to blame?

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In an article given to Details in late May, budding actor Shia Labeouf spoke about his drinking escapades with his dad: "We would drink together and smoke together and it's just a bad deal." He goes on to imply that although he drinks a lot, he's not happy he does it. "It's not something that is conducive to being a role model," he said. "And I don't know how to do it like a gentleman. I don't know how to have one drink."

Just a couple of months later on July 27, Shia got a misdemeanor DUI after flipping over in his truck in Hollywood, CA. He had to get surgery on his hand and isn't able to work for the next month on his current project, the Transformers sequel. Today, police have determined that Shia wasn't at fault for the crash, according to TMZ. But who's to blame for the young actor's heavy drinking: Daddy or Shia?

Not only did Shia's father drink with him, he also took him to 12-step programs as a child. In June, he told Arena Magazine: "I grew up around a lot of aggressive guys. My parents used to take me to AA meetings when I was very young. So I know aggression, I know insanity."

We asked momlogic contributor Rosanne Tobey, LPC if it's a good idea to allow a child who's not an addict to attend meetings:

  • Generally speaking, an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting is no place for a child. At AA meetings, most people do not hold back when telling their stories, and as a result, the meetings are very powerful. Topics are not intended for children and could be very disturbing for a child. However, in a home where there is active addiction, a child may unfortunately be more aware of how ugly addiction can be, as seems to be the case with Shia Labeouf. While an AA meeting is not the ideal place for a child of an alcoholic, being exposed to people actively working to maintain sobriety may have some benefit.
  • AA meetings are not just a place where people come and tell their "war stories." Meetings tend to be very supportive, accepting environments where the focus is on staying sober. The AA groups often form a "community" where people encourage and support each other through difficult situations. There is also an emphasis on self-growth and spiritual development. Following the 12 steps of AA is not exactly a bad way to go through life, addiction or no addiction. So while the environment is rough, the message is good, especially for a child whose spiritual and emotional needs are being neglected by their parents.
  • Attending an open AA meeting is a great idea for a teenager from any background. Listening to people who struggle with addiction can be a life-altering experience -- one that they will not soon forget.
What's your view?
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Young Hollywood Mugshots


previous: Is a Widdle Bit of Baby Talk a No-No?
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2 comments so far | Post a comment now >>

 
I admire his honesty. I don’t think he should be lumped in with the other, less intelligent young hollywood actors who are in trouble.
- Mary M
Posted 07/29/08 05:20 PM
 
I think that adults are responsible for their own behaviour. I am also the child of an alcoholic. My father was violent and a child molester. My whole family was really screwed up. I ended up in foster care homes that were even more messed up then the home I came from and grew up not even really knowing any different. But, when I became an adult I had to start making choices for myself. I deliberately sought out people who were different than me. Folks who seemed to have more “normal” lifestyles and I learned from them. I chose to change my life. Anyone can. You cannot blame your childhood forever. You cannot blame your parents if you as an adult choose to do the same things they did. Change is not comfortable but it is possible. I truly hope he can find his way to accept his own blame in what he has done to forgive himself and to move on to something better.
- Anonymous
Posted 07/30/08 11:00 AM
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