Mischa Barton began boozing at 14, says pal

London: Mischa Barton developed an alcohol problem in her teens, triggering years of subsequent abuse, according to a close friend.Stacey Kives, a stylist who worked with Mischa on the set of The O.C, claims the actress began her affair with booze from the tender age of 14, reports The Sun.

Stacey 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." Earlier this month, party animal Mischa was sectioned under involuntary psychiatric hold in the US after cops were called to her home. Kives admits she`s relieved that her pal is finally being treated for her problems after years spent in denial. She added: "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." ANI