Celebrities' private fights with addictions often become public

(CNN) -- For celebrities with addictions to drugs or alcohol -- like Robert Downey Jr. -- a private battle can become a public fall from grace.

VIDEO CNN's Jim Moret reports on whether celebrities suffer more from addictions than the rest of us Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)     ALSO Robert Downey Jr. free after pleading not guilty in drug case Paul Vercammen: Robert Downey Jr. viewed as a 'functioning addict'

Some stars like Natalie Cole and Charlie Sheen have rebounded from their struggles.

Cole went public with her bout with addiction in her autobiography "Angel on My Shoulder," which inspired a made-for-TV movie this year.

After his highly publicized treatment for substance abuse, Sheen landed the coveted slot on ABC's "Spin City."

Recent figures from the National Institutes of Health show roughly 5 percent of Americans use or abuse illegal drugs and an equal number have a dependancy on alcohol.

While there are no national studies suggesting celebrities are more or less prone to addiction, celebrities live in the spotlight and mere allegations make headlines.

Actor Robert Downey Jr. in trouble with law again
November 26, 2000
Charlie Sheen in hospital for drug, alcohol problems
May 22, 1998
Nice try Charlie, but no probation release
September 28, 1999

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