Demi Lovato Breaks Silence Following Apparent Overdose
Demi Lovato is speaking out for the first time following her apparent drug overdose last month.
On Sunday, Aug. 5, 2018, the "Skyscraper" singer took to Instagram to share a message with her followers. "I have always been transparent about my journey with addiction," Lovato began a lengthy text-post. "What I've learned is that this illness is not something that disappears or fades with time. It is something I must continue to overcome and have not done yet."
After thanking God for "keeping me alive and well," the "Heart Attack" singer, who has a history of drug and alcohol abuse, went on to thank her fans. "I am forever grateful for all of your love and support," she wrote, adding, "Your positive thoughts and prayers have helped me navigate through this difficult time." Lovato also addressed her family, team, and the staff at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where she was admitted, writing, "Without them I wouldn't be here writing this letter to all of you."
"I now need time to heal and focus on my sobriety and road to recovery," the 25-year-old pop star concluded. "The love you have all shown me will never be forgotten and I look forward to the day where I can say I came out on the other side. I will keep fighting."
As Nicki Swift previously reported, Lovato had celebrated six years of sobriety in March 2018, before hinting at a relapse months later in her song "Sober." Late Tuesday morning, July 24, she was found unresponsive in her Hollywood Hills home, allegedly after a night of partying. While initial reports suggested Lovato had overdosed on heroin, later stories claimed she'd used methamphetamine. However, Narcan was reportedly administered to the singer-songwriter at the scene. Used to treat opioid overdoses, the medication can combat the effects of heroin, but not methamphetamine.
Lovato's rep announced that she was awake the following day, while stating in part to E! News, "Some of the information being reported is incorrect." The "Confident" singer then remained in the hospital, reportedly due to suffering from several health problems stemming from her overdose.
At the time of this writing, it's unknown whether the former Disney star has been released. However, a source cited by Us Weekly recently claimed that Lovato plans on "going straight to rehab" following her hospitalization.
Our thoughts are with Lovato during her recovery.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration's 24/7 National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.