Friends of singer Rihanna are concerned that the 21-year-old star has adopted a lifestyle of drinking and clubbing, and indulging in “reckless behavior” to cope with her domestic violence scandal with singer Chris Brown.

A NOW tipster tattles: “Rihanna’s really mixed up. Because she feels so distressed and helpless about the situation with Chris, she’s trying to take back some control by getting wasted and behaving recklessly. Partying stops her being left alone with her thoughts and depression.”

Rihanna enjoyed a binge drinking session duringa recent night out at Les Deux Café in West Hollywood

“Every time a waitress passed with shots, Rihanna would help herself to one. She was drinking them like they were water,” an eyewitness tells NOW. “She wants everyone to think that she’s over what happened and is getting on with her life, but inside she’s tormented. She often can’t sleep and when she does, she has nightmares.”