One of Mel Gibson’s seven kids is having problems that mirror his dad’s, but at least he’s getting treatment early. 25 year-old Edward Gibson entered Cri-Help treatment facility in late September to try and conquer his demons. Edward is determined to quit using drugs and alcohol and it sounds like he made a personal choice to go to rehab and wasn’t forced into it. He is also refusing all visitors, and will not see his family.

Edward’s twin Christian was arrested for DUI in 2005, but Edward has yet to run afoul of the law and he plans to keep it that way.

“Mel is devastated,” a source told The Enquirer. “He feels so helpless because Edward won’t see him.

“Edward’s drugs of choice are alcohol and cocaine,” said the source. Sadly, his father’s fame is only adding to Edward’s problems, said the source. “He’s very self-conscious and finds it difficult to speak about his background, which is thwarting his recovery,” the source divulged…

Edward tried to kick his addictions on his own, but he just couldn’t, the source added.

“Edward was terrified he’d be caught under the influence driving a car like his dad – or worse – killing someone at the wheel,” said the source.

He’s not refusing visitors, especially his father, “because he doesn’t want any distractions or to cause any disruptions for hte other patients,” said the source.

“Edward told a pal: ‘I know my dad loves me, but this is something I have to do by myself for myself. My dad is just going to have to chill.”

[From The National Enquirer, print edition, November 12, 2007]

The article goes on to say that Edward fears being lumped in the same category as other celebrities’ kids who just go wild. He is also said to speak frequently about how he doesn’t want to end up like his dad.

Maybe he will beat his addictions early and come away with the tools to avoid long term alcoholism like his father. Mel Gibson is shown here at the American Gangster screening last week, and he definitely doesn’t look sober. According to Cinema Blend, Gibson is next going to star in a police thriller with Denzel Washington called Under and Alone. Maybe that’s why he showed up to support Denzel, although he would have done both of them a favor by keeping his drunk ass on the bar stool instead. No wonder his kid is avoiding him while he’s trying to get sober.

Thanks to PRPhotos for these pictures.