Joaquim Phoenix On Rehab

Joaquim Phoenix On Rehab
January 17, 2006, 6:40:49

Joaquim Phoenix: 'i'm Not Sure If I'm An Alcoholic'.

JOAQUIN PHOENIX doesn't see himself as an alcoholic - despite admitting
himself into rehab after filming WALK THE LINE was completed.

The 31-year-old, who stars as late country singer JOHNNY CASH in the biopic,
denies rumours his addiction had spiraled out of control, because had always
been able to work despite his high alcohol intake.

Phoenix says, "To be honest I don't know how comfortable I am saying that

Agent Smith...

Look up "functioning alcoholic."

I'm an alcoholic.

"Not because I think it's shameful, but I just don't know if it's true.

"I prefer sobriety. In the past, if I had to go to an event where there was
a lot of small talk, I'd think, 'I can't handle this.' "So I would just
drink and not care. That was the extent of my alcoholism.

"When I'm working, I get very motivated, but there's part of me that loves
the idea of doing nothing, and drink allows you to do nothing.

"I used to think people were pussies to not drink. Now I think it's
courageous."