Lindsay Lohan’s Probation Revoked; Is Jail Time What She Needs?

Another day, another court date for troubled starlet Lindsay Lohan. Earlier this week, a Los Angeles judge revoked Lohan’s probation stemming from two DUI charges in early 2012. Now, Lohan is facing jail time for misdemeanor counts of reckless driving, lying to a police officer and obstructing an officer from performing duties. But is jail time really what the actress needs?

A Well Documented History

Lohan’s legal battles, and her struggle with substance abuse are well documented in the media. Over the last six years, her five rehab stints and six arrests led to multiple career setbacks. Earlier this year, Lohan reportedly slammed her Porsche into the back of a dump truck, telling police that her assistant was driving. However, detectives have reason to believe that Lohan was behind the wheel. Lying to a police officer and obstructing the investigation is a direct violation of her probation from two DUI counts. She was also charged with the misdemeanor theft of a necklace – and faces more charges from a New York City nightclub altercation.

Lindsay Lohan’s Latest Troubles

Now, Lohan is facing up to 245 days in jail, reports the Associated Press. The threat of more jail time, however, may not be the best option for Lohan. While she continues to struggle, it’s clear that being surrounded by toxic people and enablers only exacerbate her problems. Her family is also failing to help her; some of her family’s fights have even culminated with frantic phone calls to the police. Her mother, Dina Lohan, is a regular fixture on the New York City nightclub scene, and has even been spotted partying with her daughter late into the night. In the absence of a family or friend intervention, how can Lohan get the help she needs?

Compounding Financial Issues

Lohan is also facing fresh financial woes; Fox News reports that the IRS has frozen Lohan’s bank accounts and that she is $16,000 behind on a bill for her storage locker. Lohan’s storage unit could be sold at auction to the highest bidder, like Paris Hilton’s was in 2007.

While Lohan’s troubles are well documented by the media, her struggles are not unique; many others have also been in her situation, battling substance abuse, legal problems and financial woes. Addiction is a disease that cannot be “cured” by a short stint in rehab or jail time. Untreated addiction also exacerbates other problems, including financial difficulties (like Lohan’s frozen bank accounts) and legal troubles. For Lohan, an extended stay at a rehab center or addiction treatment facility could help her escape public scrutiny and focus on getting healthy.

Everyone Deserves a Chance to Heal

In November, Lohan told US Weekly, “I want to be known as an actress, not a troubled starlet.” In order to achieve this goal, Lohan needs to step out of the spotlight and focus on her health. Being chased by paparazzi on a daily basis is hardly beneficial for living a sober lifestyle. An escape from the media’s glare would give Lohan a chance to focus on what matters most: overcoming her substance abuse problems so she can achieve her professional dreams — and save her life.