The real issue between Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards is of course addiction. Addiction is a family illness that spans across the world in varying and damaging degrees. Some studies suggest that it affects at least seven different people connected to the addict.

When I first began reading the Richards Sheen transcripts on SmokingGun.com my own life experience jumped off the pages. For instance- Denise claims when she married Charlie he was clean and sober working a 12 step program and had a sponsor. I believe him. What Denise didn't know was a whole lot about the disease of addiction and it's effects. She didn't understand the core personality of an addict. I guess she thought he was "cured." I'm sure Charlie showed her signs of who he was, she just wasn't looking as so many women don't. She saw the dashing charming man who wanted her, she overlooked what is called the ism's of Alcoholism. Denise claims Charlie had a temper, was controlling and not terribly interested in being a father. I feel certain that Sheen didn't wait to reveal this just after walking down the isle. Denise gets pregnant, Charlie balks but she has the baby anyway. Did she think he was change after the baby came? Millions of woman still cling to that notion and it NEVER happens.

This brings us around to the latest twist I find most telling. According to reposts Denise is seeing another man. She is seeing former friend Heather Locklear's ex Ritchie Sambora. Once again putting herself in a vicarious position Denise is caught on film kissing and canoodling with Sambora. You see here's the thing... Denise needs as much help as Charlie. Common sense would indicate she wasn't attracted to the alley cat Sheen for healthy reasons in the first place. Richards has two small children and I can't help but wonder how much real help they are being given during this tumultuous time in there little lives. I believe a healthy suggestion for Denise would have been to stay out of a relationship for at least a year. Is she putting herself in a position to get healthy feedback? Has Denise joined Al- Anon or is she seeking counseling for herself? How about a therapist to sort through what attracted her to an abusive addict in the first place? Clearly Denise Richards has some boundary issues if the first man she goes too is a dear friends recent ex husband. I think Denise picked the quick fix I see lots of woman pick- a new guy to sweep her off her feet.

A marriage breaks up, little kids lives are turned upside down and women have no idea that their self esteem is on empty. Why is it that we believe a man will make us better when our previous choices left us filing police reports? Why are we shocked when our children reach puberty and are angry, aggressive and experimenting with drugs? Addiction is a family illness. Once a person has suffered the effects they need treatment. In many cases, years and years of treatment.

Charlie just had his Denise tattoo removed from his wrist. I'm afraid the damage on their lives and the lives of their children won't be so easily erased.

"Look someone still loves me, I'm fixed."