 Joaquin Phoenix changed his name to Leaf when he was younger |
Actor Joaquin Phoenix has voluntarily checked into a rehabilitation clinic for treatment for alcohol abuse, his publicist has said. "He was uncomfortable with the way that he was living his life and found the courage to deal with his disease," said publicist Susan Patricola.
The 30-year-old star of The Village and Gladiator is the brother of River Phoenix, who died of a drugs overdose.
The actor hopes that by admitting his problems it will helps others.
His publicist added that Phoenix hoped that by coming forward it might encourage others with similar problems to seek help too.
He entered the undisclosed treatment facility two weeks ago.
Name change
Phoenix received an Oscar nomination for his performance in Gladiator in 2000, in which he starred opposite Russell Crowe.
Other screen outings include To Die For, Signs, Buffalo Soldiers and Ladder 49.
He started his movie career at the age of 10, when he went by the name Leaf, appearing in films such as Parenthood, alongside Steve Martin.
He later reverted to using his birth name, Joaquin.
The actor was at the Viper Rooms in Los Angeles when his brother River collapsed from a drugs overdose in 1993 at the age of 23.
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