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For the first time since making headlines for his second DUI arrest in 2010, American Reunion star Chris Klein is opening up about his extended battle with alcohol abuse.

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"I would have died, and I think about that every single day," says Klein in a recent interview with PEOPLE. "It got to the point where I was a fragile shadow of the young man that came into this business."

The 33-year-old actor was first arrested for drunk driving on February 5, 2005, one month before calling it quits with former-fiancé Katie Holmes, and again on June 16, 2010 before enrolling in a 30-day alcohol addiction program at the Cirque Lodge.

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Klein's publicist made a statement soon after explaining that "after recent events, Chris was forced to take a clear look at a problem he has been trying to deal with himself for years. He understands now that he cannot beat this disease alone."

Today Chris is 19 months sober, telling the magazine he feels like "the luckiest guy alive."

For the complete interview, including details of his romance with Katie Holmes, pick up the newest issue of PEOPLE, on stands Friday.

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