She took her first drink at 14 and began using it as a crutch before performances to vanquish her stage fright and insecurities .
Stritch was candid about her alcoholism .
Stritch took Stritch 's first drink at 14 and began using it as a crutch before performances to vanquish her stage fright and insecurities .
Stritch was candid about her alcoholism .