Lohan Spiral

Child actors haven't fared very well. You can count the truly famous ones on probably just your 10 fingers, but for every one you know, there are who knows how many unknown demi-stars who've hit the end of their run. Remember Buffy, the blonde little girl on Family Affair? Dead of an overdose in 1976. There are others.

What about Judy Garland who, as a child actress, it's rumored, was fed pills to keep her weight down and her energy up? There are many more and they all had one thing in common; they were sad little children when they weren't in front of the camera.

Lindsay Lohan and her recurrent problems with substance abuse, even after rehabs, is the latest to hit the front pages and websites of newspapers and other media. A talented, attractive and troubled young woman is now spiraling out of control. Who's going to catch her and how did it happen?

First of all, these kids aren't allowed to be kids or normal in many ways. Many of them support their families when they're still in elementary school and they are kept in forced isolation because of their fame.

What's the reason child stars may use drugs and alcohol, anyway? It's a way of numbing the grind from work, appearances, the paparazzi, and the demands of their agents, managers, and other handlers. Addiction shows no preference and does not discriminate.

Instead of being shocked or calling her all sorts of names, say a prayer for Lindsay and all of them and don't throw that stone.