“It was one of Britney’s friends saying he’d seen Brit take four Ecstasy pills in the bedroom of a Hollywood Hills home during a party on Aug. 11,�? an insider reveals to Life & Style. “Lynne was also told that Brit’s done the drug more recently — and she’s taken Ativan, an antianxiety medication, to help her come down because the Ecstasy was so intense. Lynne put down the phone and froze.�?

Now, insiders says, Britney must make a choice: She can either get help or continue down this path — and lose custody of Sean Preston, 2, and Jayden James, 1, to ex Kevin Federline forever. “Britney needs to go to rehab,�? says another Brit insider. “It’s the only chance she has to save her sons.�?

In addition to the drug and alcohol testing, the judge ordered Britney, 25, to attend individual counseling at least twice a week to learn how to be a better parent.

That’s a tall order. “There’s no way Britney’s going to let someone tell her how to take care of her boys,�? the first insider says.

The judge’s decision didn’t seem to faze Britney at first. The next night, she hit the club scene once again, partying at LA hot spot Winston’s. “She immediately ordered shots of Jägermeister,�? an eye- witness tells Life & Style. “She seemed to be on a mission to get drunk.�?

The next few weeks will be critical. “It seems an impossible task for Britney to live up to all the judge’s demands,�? says a friend of the star. “She’s freaking out about the random testing.�?

Those close to Britney certainly want her to get the help she needs.

“Her people are urging her to try Cirque Lodge in Utah, where Lindsay is,�? says the second insider. “If Brit finally acknowledges that she must face her addictions, then that’s the best place. It’s working for Lindsay, and hopefully Brit will see that as inspiration.�?