Nicholas Brendon

LOS ANGELES — Former Buffy the Vampire Slayer co-star Nicholas Brendon said yesterday he has voluntarily entered a treatment centre because of an alcohol problem.

For seven seasons, the 33-year-old played Xander Harris, a young man who used his oddball sense of humour to overcome his non-magical handicap as he helped Buffy and her pals battle demons.

From Webindia123.com :

Buffy Star Brendon is fighting alcohol addiction

New York April 30, 2004 11:32:53 AM IST

Former "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" star Nicolas Brendan might have been fighting vampires in reel life, but in real life, he is fighting an alcohol problem. According to E Online, the star who appeared in the movie "Psycho Beach Party" has confessed to voluntarily entering rehab to fight his addiction.

Brendon played the role of Xander Harris on the show, one of the Scooby gang on the vampire-slaying series for seven years, protecting Sunnydale—and the rest of the world—from blood-sucking domination until the show’s conclusion last year.

"After realizing that I had a disease that was taking control of my life, I decided that the best way for me to regain my health was to enter a treatment facility. Knowing that my friends and family are behind me, rooting for me as I go through this process, makes everything that much easier. I’m looking forward to leading a happy, sober life," Brendon said in the statement. (ANI)

From Wkkj.com :

Buffy Star Fights Alcohol

Former "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" star Nicholas Brendon is the latest Hollywood star to book himself into a Los Angeles rehab clinic to help him overcome his drinking habits.

The 33-year-old actor, who played Xander Harris in the hit TV series, is pleased to have the support of his wife and co-stars of the show as he struggles to quit drinking.

He says, "After realizing that I had a disease that was taking control of my life, I decided that the best way for me to regain my health was to enter a treatment facility."

"I’m grateful for the love and support I’ve gotten from my wife, my entire family, my business associates and my friends."

"Knowing that they will be behind me, rooting for me as I go through this process, makes everything that much easier, I’m looking forward to leading a happy, sober life."

From Eonline.com :

"Buffy" Costar Enters Rehab

by Lia Haberman

Apr 29, 2004, 1:30 PM PT

Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Nicholas Brendon is fighting his own real-life demons.

The thesp, who played goofball Xander Harris, has checked himself into rehab because of an alcohol problem, according to a statement on his official Website.

"After realizing that I had a disease that was taking control of my life, I decided that the best way for me to regain my health was to enter a treatment facility," Brendon said in the statement.

"I’m grateful for the love and support I’ve gotten from my wife, Tressa; my entire family; my business associates; and my friends."

Brendon starred as one of the Scooby gang on the vampire-slaying series for seven years, protecting Sunnydale—and the rest of the world—from blood-sucking domination until the show’s finale last May.

He credited the show’s die-hard fans as a source of strength.

"Over the past eight years I’ve discovered that Buffy fans are the most caring and supportive fans in the world," Brendon added.

"Knowing that they will be behind me, rooting for me as I go through this process, makes everything that much easier. I’m looking forward to leading a happy, sober life."

The love fest was echoed by fans who posted well wishes on his Website.

"Just wanted to say that I want to wish Nick the best of luck with his rehab stint. It isn’t an easy road, but I’m sure Nick is more than strong enough to pull through it," wrote one Web surfer.

"I second on wishing Nicky B good luck in rehab. I just want him to know I’m there for him too," wrote another.

Brendon’s honesty also earned him kudos from another follower: "It’s damn good of him to be able to say what he did in a public forum. He’s a guy with a lot of courage and I take my hat off to him and his family and friends!"

In addition to Buffy, Brendon starred in the 2000 spoof Psycho Beach Party and the recent ABC Family channel movie Celeste in the City.

From Heraldtribune.com :

’Buffy’ actor Nicholas Brendon enters alcohol rehabilitation

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Former "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" co-star Nicholas Brendon said Thursday he has voluntarily entered an unspecified treatment center due to an alcohol problem.

"After realizing that I had a disease that was taking control of my life, I decided that the best way for me to regain my health was to enter a treatment facility," Brendon said. "I’m grateful for the love and support I’ve gotten from my wife, Tressa; my entire family, my business associates and my friends."

For seven seasons, the 33-year-old played Xander Harris, a young man who used his oddball sense of humor to overcome his non-magical disadvantage as he helped Buffy and her pals stop demons and other assorted scary things from taking over the fictional town of Sunnydale.

Brendon said he is grateful for the cult-fan following of the show, which ended its run last year.

"Knowing that they will be behind me, rooting for me as I go through this process, makes everything that much easier. I’m looking forward to leading a happy, sober life," Brendon said.

In addition to "Buffy," Brendon has appeared in the comedy "Psycho Beach Party" and the recent ABC Family Channel movie, "Celeste in the City."