GETTING treatment for drug abuse, alcoholism, depression or eating disorders has helped many an A-lister get their career back on track. Fans have their fingers crossed that Britney Spears can make a full recovery after her recent all-too-public breakdown, head-shaving and allegations of drug abuse.

The 25-year-old mum-of-two had looked set to kickstart her sexy image again when she announcd her split from hubby Kevin Federline but she spiralled downward after she hit the LA party circuit. After twice quitting rehab in recent weeks, a spell at the Promises Centre in Malibu could provide Britney with both the rest and the inspiration she needs to succeed again.

Fellow singer Robbie Williams is also seeking help at a rehab clinic in the US which he entered this month on his 33rd birthday. The former Take That star is hoping to control his addiction to prescription drugs - and may also revive his flagging career at the same time. He found fame as a solo artist following a spell in rehab after he became addicted to drugs and alcohol after leaving Take That in 1995, and a sobering stay could help him focus once more.

Whether it's the Priory, the Meadows or the rehab wing of a Californian prison, some stars aren't afraid to admit defeat and take time out to tackle their demons - before bouncing back stronger than ever. We take a look at how some well-known stars have fared after a spell in rehab.

Keith Urban SEEKING HELP In October last year, Keith entered rehab after suffering a "relapse" in his addiction to drink less than four months after his wedding to Oscarwinning actress Nicole Kidman. Country singer Keith checked himself into the Betty Ford centre in Palm Springs and spent 90 days receiving treatment.

BACK ON TOP Luckily for Keith, his brave decision to seek help harmed neither his marriage nor his career.

Loyal Nicole stood by her man in timehonoured country style, and his album Love, Pain and the Whole Crazy Thing went platinum while he was out of the picture. "With each week that passed, I found myself really learning to surrender especially with my career, with playing music, because it's what I've always done, " said Urban, who was also awarded Male Vocalist of the Year at the annual Country Music Awards while he was receiving treatment.

Kate Moss SEEKING HELP In October 2005, supermodel Kate headed for the Meadows in Arizona in a bid to save her septum - and her career. After she was exposed in the newspapers as a cocaine addict, she was forced to miss her daughter's birthday while in the Euro6,000a-week clinic for a month's treatment.

BACK ON TOP Burberry, Chanel and H&M all cancelled their contracts with 33-year-old Kate in the weeks after she made headlines, but 12 months on, she is experiencing a career high.

After apologising to "all the people I have let down", Kate has gone from strength to strength and more than doubled her earnings by promoting, among others, Nikon, Calvin Klein, Rimmel and Virgin Mobile.

Ben Affleck SEEKING HELP The Promises Centre in Malibu was Ben's destination in 2001 when he decided to seek treatment for alcohol addiction. Ben, who is married to fellow A-lister Jennifer Garner, was no stranger to alcoholism - his dad also spent time in rehab and now works as a counsellor in California.

BACK ON TOP "Ben is a self-aware and smart man who has decided that a fuller life awaits him without alcohol, " said his publicist at the time - and the new dad has gone on to prove it. Ben, 34, is now enjoying writing and directing, and gave one of the best performances of his career as George Reeves in recent thriller Hollywoodland.

Colin Farrell SEEKING HELP When filming ended on Miami Vice at the end of 2005, Farrell sought help for exhaustion and dependence on prescription drugs across the pond at an unnamed facility. He spent Christmas at the centre and had to pull out of promoting The New World.

BACK ON TOP The infamous hellraiser has cleaned up his act and vowed to be a better father to his young son James.

Despite his sex-tape scandal and stalker issues, a healthy-looking Colin happily promoted Miami Vicewith co-star Jamie Foxx and he is said to have found love with Pride and Glory co-star Lake Bell. "I have not touched a drink for six months, " he said in July. "I'm not a bloody idiot - I am just a fun-loving guy of 30 who loves life."

Robert Downey Jnr SEEKING HELP The Oscar nominee has been in and out of rehab since 1987 for using drugs including crack, cocaine and heroin. The Chaplin star was even admitted to a stint in the LA County jail's rehab centre after he was arrested for drug violations.

BACK ON TOP These days 41year-old Downey is clean and doing well - he starred in animation hit A Scanner Darkly last year, as well as the upcoming Fur with Nicole Kidman and it has been several years since his private life hit the headlines. His diagnosis with bipolar disorder has helped him deal with his problems, as has the help of his producer wife Susan Levin. "She only said she'd accept my proposal of marriage as long as I promised to stay sober - and drugs-free, " he says. "She is far smarter than me - and I like that.

And love is a great therapy."

Joaquin Phoenix SEEKING HELP When shooting wrapped on Walk The Line, Joaquin, 32, took a leaf out of Johnny Cash's book and went into rehab for his addiction to alcohol.

"He was uncomfortable with the way he was living his life and found the courage to deal with his disease, " said his rep.

BACK ON TOP His performance earned him a Golden Globe and his second Oscar nomination, proof that after a fortnight of treatment, Phoenix was back on track. "It's the best thing I ever did for myself, " he says. "Cash was addicted to pills, for me it was all about drinking. It takes a lot of courage to look at yourself in a rigorously honest way and I like rigour." He has two films out next year and has been linked to several leading ladies.

Elle MacPherson SEEKING HELP The stunning supermodel suffered "a sort of post-natal depression" after the birth of her son Aurelius Cy. She headed to the Meadows clinic in Arizona at the end of September 2003, where the 30-day programme costs Euro28,000, and was treated for exhaustion and depression.

BACK ON TOP Despite splitting from partner to her two sons, Arpad Busson she bounced back from her depression.

"Everything is just great for me now;

I feel fabulous, " said 'The Body' after completing her treatment.

Based in London, 43year-old Elle now has a hugely successful career with a lucrative lingerie business and a range of beauty products.

But some just can't get off the roundabout. . .

DIANA ROSS Found guilty of driving under the influence in 2002 and spent two days in jail. Has rarely been in the public eye since.

NAOMI CAMPBELL Treated for anger management but the move seems futile if recent assault accusations are anything to go by.

PAUL GASCOIGNE Has yet to settle into any managerial roles since he quit playing. Turned down I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here because they wouldn't offer him �500,000 to go to the jungle.