SAN DIEGO -- The fallout continues over actor-director Mel Gibson’s arrest for drunk driving and the anti-Semitic remarks he reportedly made during the arrest.

Gibson, 50, issued a second apology Tuesday to the Jewish community and has since checked himself into rehab.

According to reports, this is not the first run-in Gibson has had when it comes to alcohol.

Gibson is not alone, as an estimated 14 million people in the U.S. abuse alcohol.

"I couldn't stay out of jail because of DUI’s,” said Charlie Aperule of San Diego.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 17,000 alcohol-related traffic fatalities in each of the last three years.

Aperule hit bottom after three decades of drinking, but has been sober for six years.

"It's hard it takes a long time it's different for each person. It depends on where the bottom is," said Aperule.

Aperule said when he was drunk he was a different person.

"If I thought I could upset you by saying something mean, I would, and I wouldn't remember it the next day," said Aperule.

Experts say alcoholism is a vicious disease that impacts families, friends, finances and the safety of the public.

"Relapse is a part of recovery. A lot of people forget alcohol is cunning, baffling and powerful, and people forget what they've learned in treatment," said John Simpson of Mental Health Systems.

Simpson oversees dozens of drug and alcohol recovery programs offered around San Diego County.

Aperule said Gibson has an added challenge of trying to sober up under intense public scrutiny.

But the big question is whether he has hit bottom or he still has a way to go.

For more information about Mental Health Systems' drug and alcohol rehabilitation services, visit their Web site.

The San Diego Psychological Association has referral services for those seeking help or advice at 800-479-3339.