Mischa Barton has had an alcohol problem since she was 14.

Mischa Barton has had an alcohol problem since she was 14.

Mischa Barton has had an alcohol problem since she was 14.
The former ‘O.C’ actress – who is receiving psychiatric treatment at Los
Angeles’ Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after being placed under a 5150 hold, a
piece of US legislation which means she poses a danger to herself or others
– worried friends with her out of control behaviour for several years and
they are relieved she has finally sought help.
Stacey Kives – a former stylist on ‘The O.C.’ – said: "She was on the path
to self-destruction - it was just a question of when she was going to be
ready to do something about it.
"Mischa has been drinking since she was about 14, and she doesn't drink to
have fun any more - she drinks not to feel anything. But I think this last
episode has scared her straight. She finally sounds like she's seeing
reality."
According to her friend, Mischa has previously resisted all attempts to help
her seek treatment and would cut pals out of her life if they suggested she
had a problem.
Stacey added to Britain’s Heat magazine: "Mischa's finally willing to get
some help. She was partying so hard before. Whenever a close friend would
say, 'Mischa, I'm worried about you,' she would distance herself.
"It was just a matter of time before she hit rock bottom. Now she wants her
friends and family around her. It's a good sign."
It is believed the 23-year-old actress was suffering from low self-esteem
prior to her hospitalisation.
A source said: "She hates her legs. She isn't comfortable with her body.
It's been a big source of stress and self-hate."
Referring to pictures which appeared to show bumpy skin on the actress'
legs, another source said: "She had a big problem with those photos of her
cellulite. She didn't like it. That just was something that contributed to
her spiralling but she didn't do much to fix it because of her partying."