Lindsay Lohan has been sentenced to 90 days in jail which we have been hearing repeatedly for violating the terms of probation.  It stems from two drunk-driving arrests in 2007 and her repeatedly failing to follow the terms of her probation.  One of the common traits I have noticed in my practice is addicts and alcoholics, including myself, have difficulty with authority figures and being told what to do.  There are many reasons for this which can include having a very authoritarian parent and being raised so strict and    punished so severely, you never had a chance of expressing your own feelings.  It could be perhaps the opposite where your parents were not present for you emotionally or physically, and, therefore, you became an adult child quite early running your own rules. These would definitely be reasons to run your own show and to resent and despise others telling you what to do.  

In Lindsay’s case she became famous quite young, and most likely had many handlers around her or are what are known as “yes” people.  You have seen these handlers around other actors, actresses, and musicians such as   Britney Spears, Paris Hilton and tragically they could have been responsible for enabling Michael Jackson to his death.  This Hollywood treatment had to have given Lindsay a feeling of being in total control and somehow not having to abide by the same standards that others do in the court of law.  In fact, she has not complied seven times to the court’s orders.  Her disrespect by the profanity painted on her finger nail toward the court is an example of such disregard for the legal system, and on some level herself.  

Lindsay is still experiencing herself as the “victim”, and until she realizes she is responsible for her actions, no one else, she will remain one.  Until the consequences of her behavior become so un-tolerable for Lindsay, she will keep doing what she is doing to self-destruct.  I don’t necessarily believe jail is the answer for her, but I know something very drastic has to change for Lindsay to make the shift from feeling like a victim to becoming a victor.

Sherry Gaba, LCSW, is the author of “The Law of Sobriety: Attracting Positive Energy for a Powerful Recovery”, and Life Coach on Celebrity Rehab on VH1. She has a private practice where she does psychotherapy, life coaching, participates in webinars, tele-seminars, and speaking engagements.

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