EXCLUSIVE: Cara Delevingne Admits Psychological Torment at Heart of Drugs Struggle

Cara Delevingne was locked in a devastating cycle of self-hatred during her drug abuse, which left her psychologically tormented.

RadarOnline.com can also reveal her emotional struggles became so overwhelming she feared exposing herself to further public judgment by putting out any creative projects of her own.

The 34-year-old British supermodel and actress, who has spoken openly about her battles with substance abuse, has now revealed her deteriorating self-image prevented her from pursuing a music career despite achieving international fame.

Speaking to Bustle following the September release of her debut album, Not Normal, Delevingne explained how addiction, insecurity and the pressures of celebrity had left her unable to cope with criticism.

She said: "Not being a sober person, I was so all over the place, and was on the edge of so much self-hatred, that putting out music and people having judgement on that – I just wouldn't have been able to handle it."

Her admission offers a revealing insight into the psychological difficulties that accompanied her extraordinary rise through the fashion and entertainment industries.

Delevingne, who began experimenting with illegal drugs during adolescence, also suggested her emotional vulnerability had become particularly pronounced when contemplating the release of her own music.

She said: "Back then, I could just about cope with people telling me I'm not pretty or ugly or not good at acting, but I couldn't deal with (scrutiny over my music.) I just wouldn't have been able to hack it."

The London-born star's comments underline the contrast between her confident public persona and the insecurities she experienced privately.

Despite becoming one of the world's most recognizable models and establishing a successful acting career, Delevingne admitted the relentless scrutiny accompanying fame had taken a significant emotional toll.

She previously explained substance abuse had become a means of escaping feelings she struggled to confront.

Speaking to ELLE, she said: "I numbed myself for a pretty long time and felt numb in general, even if I wasn't numbing myself to what I was doing. I didn't feel as grateful as I do now because it was just so intense, and I found that whirlwind of being recognised quite difficult. I'm just open to anything at this point."

Her decision to now finally release music represents a significant development in her creative career.

Delevingne collaborated with acclaimed singer-songwriter Fiona Apple, 49, on her new album, describing the musician as a major personal and artistic influence.

Discussing their unusual songwriting process, she said: "The verses of (Need It) were written through us sending pictures of Post-it Notes back and forth to each other, which is now a weird thing to think about.

"Why did we not just send a Notes app screenshot? But we were like, 'I need to write this down on a Post-it Note and send it!'"

Delevingne added: "You can't really hear her as much in the music, but she's just been an inspiration to me as a person and as an artist. I absolutely adore her."