Nicole Richie Began Drugs Battle at 14  11/7/05

Socialite Nicole Richie's battle with illegal drugs began when she became hooked on cocaine the age of 14.

The 24-year-old, daughter of soul veteran Lionel Richie, was arrested for heroin possession in 2003, but charges were dismissed earlier this year (05) after she successfully completed the terms of her probation.

The Simple Life star, who is planning to wed finance Adam 'DJ AM' Goldstein next year (06) after a spell in rehab, also admitted that she "probably would" try heroin again because of her addictive personality.

Speaking on American TV, she reveals, "In my circle pot at 13 was normal and so was drinking once in a while but that wasn't my thing.

"And then I started getting into cocaine at like 14 or 15. Then I stopped and went onto heroine - at about 19.

"Considering I probably don't remember half of what happened to me, I can only imagine how out of control I was."