The holiday season is upon us and it is a time for all of us to reflect on the year that has past and the new year that is fast approaching.  For many in the public eye, 2007 has been the year filled with DUI's, drugs, rehab, and misconduct.  Many top rated celebrities have had the book thrown at them due to numerous mishaps with the law.

Are stars really showing a good example to others out there? Are they taking their celebrity status for granted? Or are they just like the rest of us? It seems as though they are paying a huge price for fame.  Celebrities are human like the rest of us, and like us they make their fair share of mistakes. But I am beginning to wonder what mistake will make them learn.  It seems as though the breaking news of the day almost always involves alcohol.

Many of the DUI's and rehab stints we're hearing about is coming out of young Hollywood. Celebrities between the ages of 20 and 25, give or take a few years, are being popped for DUI's left and right.

Paris Hilton is one of the celebutant's who's name made the news headlines in 2007.  With a side-swept hairstyle, Paris posed for her mugshot. After being arrested for numerous violations, she was finally sentenced to 45 days in jail for a parole violation in which she served less time for good behavior (she was released on June 26, 2007).  Now, other than being famous for her fashion, partying lifestyle, and being a good source of entertainment. She's now famous for her time spent in                              jail.

Lindsey Lohan was also arrested, charged with DUI, and completed rehab. Her sentence stemmed from a July 24th DUI arrest in which she was sentenced to one day in jail and three years probation. She was also made to attend rehab where she remained until October.  The Hollywood actress has since cleaned up her act and has started filming a few new movies again.

Another young female celebrity who has recently completed a stint in rehab and who's name is on the lips of just about everyone these days is Britney Spears.
I am not going to go into detail about her.  We all know the history there: Rehab, the photo of her running around town without underwear, child custody battles, etc..but thankfully no arrests.

I see a pattern forming...

Are these celebrities just crying out for help? is it attention that they crave? I can only hope that 2008 will be a safe and happy year for celebrities as well as everyone else.

Here are a few tips to avoid becoming a victim of the effects of alcohol and drugs, and how to NOT be like your favorite movie star:

  •     Make sure you have a designated driver!
  •     Limit the amount of alcohol you consume!
  •     Have fun in moderation (you're not as much fun when you're drunk)
  •     Drugs..JUST DON'T DO THEM!


And last but not least...

Though it seems like the thing to do, numerous visits to rehab does not make you cool!

HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE HOLIDAY SEASON