Joaquin Phoenix has checked in to a rehabilitation facility to deal with alcohol problems.

BreakingNews.ie quotes his publicist as saying: “He was uncomfortable with the way that he was living his life and found the courage to deal with his disease.???

Publicist Susan Patricola announced that star of The Village voluntarily checked in for treatment two weeks ago in the hope that others with alcohol abuse problems might follow suit.

Phoenix will appear as Johnny Cash in Walk The Line which is scheduled for release later this year.