Denise Richards Says She Talks to Daughters About Addiction

The former Mrs. Charlie Sheen- Denise Richards- says she openly talks about drugs and addiction with her daughters so they can try to understand their dad’s struggle with substance abuse.

On the Today show, Richards, 40, said that she initially tried to shield the girls from the negative publicity surrounding their dad and his drug issues. But kids at school spilled the beans, and Richards says she decided to create a teachable moment:

“As far as the media, I shield them completely, but there were a few things they would hear through other kids… but I did have a conversation with them about addiction and got a book to read to them because I was just lying to them so much and covering up and telling lies, and it was just getting too confusing.”

“They’re so young. I think they did comprehend some of it, and as they get older, they’ll learn more as needed.”

Richards also expressed hope that Sheen- who had a very public falling out with the creators of Two and a Half Men this year before going on his Violent Torpedo of Truth tour– would best his struggles. Despite her ex’s harsh words for her during the brouhaha, she called her ex-husband a “survivor,” and added that if “anyone can pull themselves together, it’s Charlie.”