Michael Lohan – who has a history of drug abuse himself – wants to help the 'Mean Girls' actress beat her reliance on legal substances as he's terrified she will end up dead.
He told website RadarOnline: "I'm going to get her off the prescription drugs that she's on. I hate it when people talk about illegal drug abuse because it's not just drinking and illegal drugs that kill you. Prescription drugs can destroy and kill a person and are sometimes harder to stop. Look at Heath Ledger and Michael Jackson."
Although he refused to say what medications his 22-year-old daughter is taking, he admitted her addiction has taken over her life.
He said: "You know why Lindsay's not acting in feature films right now? Because she can't. Because the girl with all the talent is hidden and buried deep inside this fungus that's grown because of the prescription drugs. She can't be herself. When you hug her she's vacant inside. When she kisses or holds me I get chills, and not in a good way - in a bad way."
Michael – who has only recently repaired his turbulent relationship with Lindsay – met his eldest child following the break in at her Hollywood home in the summer and was shocked by how much she had changed.
He added: "She's a different person. I was out there for a week when she was living at the Sunset Marquis Hotel and I would sit there and cry. It was horrible. This was not the kid I raised."
Lindsay has previously completed three stints in rehab in a bid to get help for her addiction to drink and drugs.
©2009 AOL Australia Pty Limited in association with Bang Showbiz. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Photo Gallery: Lindsay Lohan's Birthday Celebrations Begin
