Mischa Barton: 'I Hate Drunk Drivers' 8/1/08

Actress Mischa Barton was left disgusted with herself after her drink driving arrest last year - because she reviles drunk drivers. The former The O.C star pleaded guilty to a DUI in April (08) and was sentenced to three years probation following her arrest in December (07).

And the star was keen to head to rehab to show she was truly ashamed of her actions - because she wanted to distance herself from the association of fellow drunk drivers.

She tells Britain's Marie Claire magazine, "The thing is, I hate drunk drivers. Living in L.A., I can't stand them, and that's why I was so disappointed in myself. I wanted to prove to the court that I would take it completely seriously, so I went to rehab to prove I was sober.

"It really helped in getting the more serious aspects of my case dropped because, you know, that's what they want to hear: you're not an alcoholic, and you don't have a problem."

And the actress believes a lot of young Hollywood star's problems stem from the fact they are hounded by the media - insisting the gossip press can send stars "crazy".

She explains, ""I don't look at the gossip web sites - it's unhealthy, and I think it's a large part of what drives people in L.A. crazy."