The former wild child - who flashed David Letterman on a live broadcast when she was 20 - says she doesn't regret the "fun" experience.
Drew told Parade magazine: "How fun was that? I'm so glad I was so free at one point in my life."
The former child actress - who fell from grace after entering rehab for substance abuse aged just 13 - insists she was annoyed the public felt sorry for her.
The 31-year-old actress explained: "I felt really upset when people felt sad for me. Like, 'Oh, wow, washed-up child actor having to work in a coffeehouse. It must be really, really awful.'
"But I'm really glad for that time in my life having to ride the bus, struggling to pay my rent, getting heckled by people. Even Hollywood casting directors were rude and patronizing."
"They would say, 'Do you know how lucky you are to be in this room?' I would just say, 'Yes, I do.' It was humbling and humiliating."
Showbiz NewsDrew Barrymore's flashing pride
