Demi Lovato has made no secret of her struggles — and unfortunately for the singer, they’re still very much a part of her life. After recently celebrating six years of sobriety, Lovato was rushed to the hospital for an apparent drug overdose on July 24. Luckily, Lovato survived and will continue to recover in a rehabilitation program.
Lovato has spoken openly about her addiction issues, as well as her battles with mental illness and disordered eating. She took part in a rehabilitation program for addiction, self-harm, bulimia, and bipolar disorder in 2010. A 2014 report revealed that 7.9 million Americans experience concurrent substance abuse disorders and mental disorders, which is known as having a “dual diagnosis.” But 56% of people with dual diagnoses don’t receive treatment for either condition, and only 7% receive treatment for both. Although Lovato relapsed after leaving the facility that addressed these conditions, she then entered a sober living facility for a year and was dedicated to recovery thereafter.
But this past June, the singer released her ballad “Sober,” which alluded to a recent relapse. The lyrics, in part, say: “I’m sorry for the fans I lost who watched me fall again… I want to be a role model but I’m only human. I’m sorry that I’m here again. I promise I’ll get help.”
Lovato decided to go public about her ongoing struggles in an effort to stay accountable and inspire her fans, according to an insider. Other sources say the singer had been spiraling for months after cutting her sober coach out of her life. Although 10.3 million people reported driving under the influence of illicit drugs from 2011 to 2012, the stakes were much higher for Lovato than a potential DUI arrest. Her friends were reportedly worried about her health and safety.
It turned out they were right to be concerned. Following a supposed heroin overdose, Lovato was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where she was reportedly given Narcan (naloxone, the overdose antidote). Since then, Lovato has remained hospitalized. Though the average cost of a single day in a U.S. hospital was $4,293 in 2013, money is clearly no object for the singer — nor is a steep medical bill going to keep her from getting the help she needs.
Sources have informed E! News and other outlets that Lovato has agreed to go to rehab to receive treatment, saying “she wants to make a statement to her fans, family, and friends that she is strong and can recover.”
After the news about Lovato’s overdose went public, fans and other internet users took to social media to defend the singer and share how she has inspired them. Though some were quick to condemn drug use, countless others used the hashtag #HowDemiHasHelpedMe to share stories about how the singer’s openness and resilience has had a positive impact on their lives. With hard work on her part, she will likely continue to inspire fans for years to come.