Miss USA Tara Conner has confessed what we've known all along. The Kentucky native isn't as innocent as she claimed to be.
In an exclusive interview with Matt Lauer of the "Today" show, Tara admitted to using cocaine before entering rehab, saying, "I have done cocaine, yes. I've tried several different things. But, you know, it's always the same effect."
Tara insists that admitting she's an alcoholic and druggie has been a huge weight off her shoulders because "it's not healthy for [her] recovery to sit here and hold things back."
The wild blonde says her partying behavior was out-of-control prior to entering rehab. In order to feel accepted and secure in her circle of friends, Tara filled up her time by drinking, snorting and hooking up with a number of guys.
She told PEOPLE, "I thought I needed to be around people, that I needed that acceptance." Now, instead of going to clubs, she enjoys reading at home - a home she shares with a chaperone."
Eventually, though, The Donald kicked her butt in rehab and gave one last chance to get it together. Now the 21-year-old says she is feeling better than ever and can't wait to throw herself back into the real world as a sober person - that is until we find out one month down the line that she's at it again.
The suddenly happy Tara exclaimed, "I just can't wait to get back to work. 'I'm Miss U.S.A., my name is Tara Conner, and I'm happy to meet you,' you know? Life's good.""
Tara's full interview on the "Today show" will air on Thursday, February 1.
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