Charlie Sheen may think he's in control of his life and all his "winning" ways. But "One Day at a Time" star Mackenzie Phillips is not likely to agree.
"What we're really watching in a tragedy playing out in public," Phillips, 51, told CTV's Canada AM on Friday.
"There's something wrong. There's a screw loose somewhere," Phillips said.
Still, Phillips, a recovering substance abuser herself, sees great hope ahead for Sheen if he is willing to seek therapy.
"He has a long way to go. But it can be done," said Phillips.
"People are dying from abusing drugs. It's happening on every street corner and doctors have had a big hand in it," she said.
Best known for her roles in the seventies cult movie "American Graffiti" and "One Day at Time," Phillips's drug abuse made tabloid news over the last three decades.
That attention escalated in 2009 after the publication of Phillips' tell-all book, "High on Arrival."
In it, Phillips wrote of an incestuous relationship with her father, John Phillips, the singer of The Mamas & the Papas.
Phillips alleged that the "consensual" relationship lasted for 10 years, ending when the actress was 29.
The claims sparked a huge rift between Phillips and her step mother, Michelle Phillips.
The singer, songwriter and actress was the second wife of John Phillips. The couple married in 1962 and divorced in 1970.
She has adamantly denied stepdaughter Mackenzie's accusations, lashing out at Phillips with her own harsh words.
"It's incredibly unkind and graceless to say these things about a child you have had a hand in raising," said Phillips.
"I love Michelle. But I think she's come off as a little wacky. She's known the truth for many years. She's trying to discredit me to protect a brand, a legacy," she said.
Phillips has also lost contact with her siblings, including actress Bijou Phillips, singer Chynna Phillips, half-sister Tamerlane Phillips and brother Jeffrey Phillips.
"It's really sad. I love them very much," said Phillips.
Sister Chynna appeared with Phillips on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" in 2009 to show her support. The two have not communicated since that time.
"For that moment she supported me, which I will be forever grateful for," said Phillips.
"There was no event that stopped our contact. She just stopped answering my calls. But I have hope. I am an endlessly optimistic woman."
New writings, new role
Inspired by the late Elizabeth Edwards, Phillips has since added new material to her 2009 tell-all to reflect the events that have happened since the book's publications.
"A lot of people add gratuitous bonus material that means nothing. But this is a love letter to addicts and incest survivors who have come out since my book's release," said Phillips.
The actress is also making new strides with her acting career.
Phillips appears in the new indie drama, "Peach Plum Pear." In it she plays a kind-hearted bartender who befriends a troubled young man stranded in a small Nebraska town.
The role earned Phillips an Honourary Best Actress Award in 2011 at the 9th Annual Female Eye Film Festival, Ontario's only annual international independent film festival showcasing movies made by female directors.
Phillips said she's been through a lot of tough times in her life, but she's always had a lot to live for.
"You're either a survivor or you're not," said Phillips.
"I have a beautiful, 24-year-old son. I rescue animals. I work with dogs. I act," she said.
‘I have a lovely life."
