Lindsay Lohan admits she likes to learn lessons ''the hard way.''

The 28-year-old actress, who is trying to get her career back on track after a turbulent few years during which she sought treatment in rehab six times and had numerous legal issues, says she is partially responsible for her party girl reputation.

Asked if she thought critics were out to get her in the past, she said: ''Yeah, definitely, but I think I also have to take responsibility for that. I was putting myself into situations where it was easier for them to do that. It's just a process of growing up - that's what happens when kids are in college and no one's around telling them what's what, but I chose to live my life in public. And I stepped back from it and I thought, 'Okay, if I don't put myself in that place, then they can't say anything.' I think it's just learning and I like to learn the hard way, clearly.''

The 'Mean Girls' star claims Hollywood has changed a lot since she first found fame as a child actress.

She told the latest issue of Hunger, We've Got Issues magazine: ''I've been doing this for so long that it's different now. We didn't use to have Twitter and stuff. Now the price that you pay is that your life is so much more viral. You can't get away from it.''

But she claims she is ready to lead a more private life.

She said: ''You have no privacy unless you choose to live your life a certain way.

''I went away and had treatment and tried to be private.''