Lindsay Lohan's mother: "she's starting to drink"

Lindsay Lohan’s mother says the actress has started drinking alcohol again.

Dina Lohan makes the admission in a conversation with Lindsay’s father Michael Lohan, which he has released to RadarOnline. In the tape, which was made in New York, Dina also admits she fears for Lindsay’s life. It is the latest in a string of recordings Michael has released in what he claims is a desperate bid to make Lindsay face up to her alleged addiction to prescription medication.

Lindsay has completed three stints in rehab, where she has been treated for substance abuse. In 2007, she pleaded guilty to driving under the influence (DUI) and cocaine use, and was sentenced to one day in jail. She also had to complete an alcohol education programme and was put on three years’ probation. Last month, the probation was extended to give Lindsay more time to attend the classes.

In the recording, Dina says: “Time is running out with this kid. I know, I'm her mother and I feel it and I'm scared. She'll open up to you but it's nothing compared to what's going on with this kid. And don't tell her I told you anything or try to weasel s**t out of her... she'll tell you when she's ready to talk about shit. Right now all I know is she's starting to drink and that's bad.”

In previous tapes, Dina has been heard saying Lindsay was dating Heath Ledger when he died and has revealed Lindsay cut herself. In a separate excerpt, Lindsay could be heard crying and saying no-one cares about her.

Dina has termed Michael’s actions “unforgiveable”. She claims he unlawfully recorded the conversations as at the time he was not supposed to be contacting the family due to a court order. Lindsay’s lawyer Shawn Chapman Holly is said to be looking at the legal ramifications of the claims.

Michael said: “That's bullshit. I called the house to talk to the kids and she would get on the phone and tell me all of this stuff. I couldn't control that. I have all the tapes to prove it.”