Read more: Martin Sheen says his son Charlie’s battle with substance abuse is like having 'cancer'
Read more: Charlie Sheen could be set to bank $7million from his upcoming tour
Speaking out for the first time about his troubled son Charlie, acting legend Martin Sheen said he understands what he is going through.
"I know what hell he's living in," says Sheen. "I've had psychotic episodes in public. One of them was on camera -- the opening scene of 'Apocalypse Now.' So I know what Charlie is going through. And when you do something like that, that is out of control, that's the most difficult thing. You have to have courage."
Sheen has been open about his own battle with alcohol addiction and mental illness, much like what his son is going through.
"I was so interested in myself, I didn't really focus on what [my kids'] needs were, or what their aspirations were," says Sheen.
"You know, Charlie's 45 years old. He's not a kid," Sheen told the Telegraph. "Emotionally he still is.
Because when you're addicted, you don't grow emotionally. So when you get clean and sober you're starting at the moment you started using drugs or alcohol. You're emotionally crippled."
When asked what will help his son through his battle, Sheen said that faith was the answer.
"Faith can help all of us," says Sheen, a devout Catholic. "Addiction is the dark side. It's a reflection of despair."
Read more: Martin Sheen says his son Charlie’s battle with substance abuse is like having 'cancer'
Read more: Charlie Sheen could be set to bank $7million from his upcoming tour
8 Comments
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.Travellingman | Mar 24, 2011, 11:41 AM EDT
I have always admired the Sheen Family for a hell of a long time...From when I saw Apocalypse Now back in the 1970s, and than Charlie and Emilio following on from Dad in Hollywood....Anyhow Charlie I know how things can be, so just get well and lets see more of you in bigger and better Movie projects....Thumbs up to Dad.
seamusmac | Mar 24, 2011, 03:22 AM EDT
Rumor has it that Martin and Charlie are going to visit Ireland in May.
Derrylass627 | Mar 23, 2011, 11:26 AM EDT
With genes like his father's, Charlie should turn out all right in time. The poor soul is really messed up right now. Prayers for him. How lucky he is to have a father that can admit his own failings and embrace his son with love and hope.
srdools | Mar 23, 2011, 10:48 AM EDT
I wonder if Carlos Estevez had prior knowledge of his statement? Otherwise things might get worse
Irishqueen1879 | Mar 23, 2011, 10:33 AM EDT
Martin Sheen knows what his is talking about....he loves his son and supports him. I admire him.
ciarrai | Mar 23, 2011, 09:58 AM EDT
We met Martin Sheen at a coffee shop at Heathrow Airport a couple of years ago and what a friendly, nice guy he was. Very handsome, well groomed man. Later that night, we were sitting in the cheapo ($150/night) tourist hotel when, to our surprise, we saw Martin Sheen on a talk show. Charlie Sheen may yet pull it together emotionally. The $7,000,000 from the silly tour will help those rough edges. Maybe the hangers-on will like the money, too.
antoman | Mar 23, 2011, 09:17 AM EDT
I hope,someday,he can go to the toilet in his own home and find the seat up.
Fionnuisce | Mar 23, 2011, 07:48 AM EDT
Well said Mr Sheen. Agree agree agree. Thank you for your grace under fire from the media regarding yourself and your talented son.