(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Brooke Mueller has reportedly checked into residential rehab.

The American star is the ex-wife of Charlie Sheen, with who she has two-year-old twin sons Bob and Max. She's battled substance abuse problems for a long time, and received rehab treatment earlier this year.

However, she was recently spotted hanging around an undesirable area of Los Angeles and was pictured carrying alleged drugs paraphernalia. Since then there were reports she was planning to enter a controversial treatment facility in Mexico where patients are given a drug called Ibogaine in an effort to help their addictions.

Brooke has reportedly decided against that cause of action, instead getting help on home soil.

"This was a very big step for Brooke to take," a source told RadarOnline.com. "Brooke has resisted entering a residential facility because she didn't want to be away from her sons. Brooke did complete several outpatient programs in the past six months, but she would quickly relapse. Brooke finally realised she had to check in for intense treatment."

Brooke is thought to have received rehab help on more than ten occasions.

Over the last couple of weeks she's tried to fly to Mexico twice, but was unsuccessful on both occasions. The first time she got off the plane before takeoff, with conflicting reports suggesting she argued with a flight attendant or began to feel unwell. She attempted to fly again this week, but lost her passport.

"She was convinced that was a sign to not go to Mexico. Brooke was aware that Ibogaine is a very dangerous drug to take, and could potentially do more harm than good for her," the source added. (C) Cover Media