STARS WHO FACED THEIR DEMONS

Drugs and alcohol are common place (legendary, even) in Hollywood. But many
stars have cleaned up their act by seeking help. (Related story:Whitney
Houston checks into rehab)

USA TODAY's Karen Thomas looks at celebs who have been open about their
troubles: Charlie Sheen, who has battled addiction in the past, now has a
top-20 show as well as a new wife (Denise Richards) and baby. By Paul
Skipper, AP

Ben Affleck, 31

Addiction: Charlie Sheen drove Affleck to Promises clinic in Malibu,
Calif., for alcohol abuse after an all-night bender in Las Vegas in August
2001.

Recovery: "Ben is a self-aware and smart man who has decided that a fuller
life awaits him without alcohol," said his then-spokesman, David Pollick.

Yasmine Bleeth, 35

Addiction: In December 2000, the Baywatch babe voluntarily entered Promises
clinic with a cocaine addiction. But she was still using when she drove her
car off a cliff in 2001 and was ordered to undergo regular drug tests.

Recovery: In the February 2003 Glamour, Bleeth wrote that "consciously
trying to stay off drugs is now part of my life and always will be."

Robert Downey Jr., 38

Addiction: A judge ordered the actor into rehab for one year in March 2001
for addiction to drugs. He previously served time in prison for drug
possession.

Recovery: Downey told USA TODAY last year that with his hard-fought
sobriety, he was "unencumbered by the most glaring of my character defects."

Jack Osbourne, 18

Addiction: In April 2003, this teenage member of MTV's dysfunctional family
checked into rehab after he became addicted to alcohol and prescription drugs.

Recovery: He signed up for another year of The Osbournes, telling 20/20
that "here's a chance to kind of maybe redeem myself. I was kind of a drug
(expletive) in the past couple of seasons."

Matthew Perry, 34

Addiction: The Friends star was treated in 1997 for addiction to
prescription drugs and again in March 2001 for addiction to Vicodan and
alcohol abuse.

Recovery: "It was scary. I didn't want to die," he told People in September
2002.

Charlie Sheen, 38

Addiction: In May 1998,Sheen's father, actor Martin Sheen, persuaded the
actor to enter Promises because of substance abuse.

Recovery: "It's time for a change," he said in a statement. According to
spokesman Jeff Ballard, Sheen aimed "to overcome what he describes as his
'destructive appetites.' "