Buffy the Vampire Slayer actor Nicholas Brendon enters rehab for alcoholism, substance abuse and depression

The actor has struggled with addiction in the past

Nicholas Brendon's agent says his disease is "misunderstood" (Matt Baron/BEI/Rex Features)

Nicholas Brendon, who played Xander in television programme Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has entered rehab.

In March, Brendon was arrested after allegedly damaging a hotel room in Florida. He said that he took sleeping pills and blacked out. He was released on bail. The incident was the third time in five months Brendon was said to have damaged a hotel room.

Brendon's manager Andrea Albin updated his Facebook page on Tuesday morning, stating that the actor would be seeking help for the majority of the summer.

"Earlier today, with the support of his professional team, his friends, and his family, Nicky entered a rehabilitation facility in California to treat his depression, alcoholism, and substance abuse problems," Albin said.

"He's taking the steps necessary to better his health and give himself, and his fans, the gift of a healthy lifestyle.

"He has been aware of his problems for some time- and with each new challenge, he gained a greater understanding of what needed to be done to overcome these obstacles and move forward with his life. Since his arrest last October, Nicky had tried several treatment methods- from therapy, to outpatient services- only to realize recently that he needed to take an extended break and treat the underlying issues of his illnesses."

After allegedly trashing a hotel room in Fort Lauderdale in February, Brendon launching a tirade against event organisers. He claimed that the comic convention he was appearing at neglected to give him somewhere to stay.

His spokesperson said: "Nicholas is, unfortunately, battling a disease that many of us don't understand.

"He's sorry for his actions."