Rihanna came close to an emotional break down last year

Rihanna came close to experiencing an emotional break down in 2011.

The 'Talk That Talk' singer has revealed how the pressures of fame caused her to avert her attention to partying in low-grade nightclubs, during what was a demanding time for her.

The 24-year-old hit maker claimed it was the one place where people didn’t bother her in her spare time, according to The Sun.

She said of the enjoyable atmosphere amongst fellow club-goers: “Everybody is doing the same thing — dancing, having drinks...”

The controversial star is no stranger to drawing attention to alcohol and drugs abuse.

In her 2011 music video ‘We Found Love’, a track which she collaborated on with DJ Calvin Harris, she makes visual references to harmful substances.

She recently said in an interview with Mondanite magazine that she refused to crack under pressure.

She said: “I refuse to crack under pressure – in fact I thrive on it. You just have to stay focused and keep your feet on the ground.

“Staying down to earth in this industry in general is really not easy, but I am strong and when I feel lost or depressed on the road, I call my best friend Melissa. When I see people turning to drugs and alcohol, then that’s when I call Melissa. She helps me get through things.”