Orange is the New Black star Taryn Manning admits 'alcohol problem'

Actress Taryn Manning from Orange is the New Black has admitted having a problem with alcohol. Photo/Getty

Taryn Manning, who plays fan favourite Tiffany 'Pennsatucky' Doggett in Orange is the New Black, has gone public on her battle with alcohol - before a magazine could out her as an alcoholic.

Manning, 37, told TMZ that while she wasn't in rehab because of shooting schedules, she does has a sober companion, therapists, friends and "other safe outlets" for support.

"I am truly grateful for what some may call hitting rock bottom ... Some days it sucks and some days it sucks worse. I am not ashamed of this obstacle because I have accepted that it is okay to not be okay," she said.

Taryn Manning plays fan favourite Tiffany 'Pennsatucky' Doggett in Orange is the New Black.

Manning said she has felt nothing but support from the cast and crew from OITNB.

"I've never felt more accepted, forgiven, and supported than during this period of my life.

"This is not easy," she said.

On Monday she tweeted: "Yes I remember, never get to high in the highs or low n the lows. Thank you gut, you have a beautiful butterfly. We became friends finally" (sic).

Manning has had a crazy year which saw her file a $10 million lawsuit against New York City claiming she was falsely arrested for making criminal threats against former friend and alleged stalker, Janine Heller.

She was kept in a holding cell for four hours after trying to explain her situation to police.

Manning says her arrest was voided but cops still sold the story to the media.

Heller told police that Manning sent her text messages that read: "I will kill you, b****' and 'Go f*** yourself and die".

New York City lawyers have called for the lawsuit to get thrown out.

Manning started out as a singer, in a band called Boomkat alongside brother, Kellin.

Her big break came in 2002 when she starred in the movies Crossroads, alongside Britney Spears and an unknown Zoe Saldana, as well as 8 Mile with Eminem.

She then went on to hits such as Hustle & Flow, and TV shows Sons of Anarchy and Hawaii Five-0.