I doubt it's the child star thing. I mean, there are loads of child stars out there and I don't think all of them have turned to drugs or alcohol. Being a celebrity at any age is going to present temptations that us average joes just don't get offered. Lohan has been clubbing before she was even legally allowed to drink. Why are these clubs permitted to remain in business after knowingly admitting a minor? I mean, there are photos of her coming and going, so there's plenty of proof for the police!
There are loads of reasons, I'm sure, but in the end... I think everyone has a propensity to become an addict of something. But we also all experience varying degrees of support, strength, determination, tragedies, mental conditions, and downfalls in our lives that lead us to choose the addiction or not.
I wish I could grab her by the shoulders and shake her until her brain rattles some sense into her. Very sad.