Profiles Of Addiction Recovery | Demi Lovato

Pop star Demi Lovato started abusing drugs and alcohol from the young age of 13, until she had a near-fatal overdose at the age of 25. Although Lovato suffered blind spots and brain damage as a result of her overdose, she recovered within two months to resume her career.

In interviews with The New York Times, podcast channels, and her 2022 docuseries Dancing With The Devil, Lovato opened up about her long struggles with trauma, mental health, and substance abuse.

Lovato’s struggles with alcohol and drug use lasted for over a decade, and her attempts at recovery were not always successful. However, as of 2023, she is almost three years sober due in part to effective professional care and strong support.

Early Drug & Alcohol Use

Lovato’s first time abusing drugs happened when she was 13 years old, when she became addicted to opioid painkillers she was prescribed after a car accident. 

She also started drinking alcohol at this time, citing bullying, peer pressure, and access to substances through popular friends.

While Lovato was rising to fame from her role in the Disney Channel movie Camp Rock, Her first experience with cocaine happened when she was 17, when her Disney Channel coworkers introduced her to the drug.

Worsening Substance Abuse

Lovato’s substance abuse continued as her profile and professional successes grew. 

Her preferred drugs of abuse may have included opioids, cocaine, heroin, and alcohol. Despite her worsening drug abuse past the age of 20, the people in charge of her career continued to tighten control on Lovato’s life, which may have contributed to her ongoing problems.

2018 Drug Overdose

In June 2018, Lovato released the song “Sober,” a confessional detailing their relapse after six years of sobriety. Only one month later, Lovato overdosed on a combination of OxyContin and fentanyl. 

Lovato recounts the night of her overdose in her 2021 documentary series Dancing With the Devil, where her drug dealer sexually assaulted her before her overdose.

Prompt medical care and Narcan saved her life, despite her suffering strokes, a heart attack, and lasting brain damage from the overdose. Lovato’s overdose caused her to remain hospitalized for two weeks. She then spent two months recovering from her overdose.

Bulimia

In an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, Lovato stated that her worsening bulimia contributed to her 2018 relapse and overdose. Her manager controlled the food that she ate at the time, worsening her eating disorder and overall mental health.

Demi Lovato’s Challenging Recovery

Lovato may have not attempted addiction treatment until she was 18. She stayed in a drug addiction treatment center at this time, but would fail to stay sober. After her discharge, she would again engage in alcohol and drug abuse, especially cocaine.

In a 2022 podcast appearance, Lovato stated that drugs and alcohol felt like her only escape when she was in her 20s. She also struggled with self-harm and an ongoing eating disorder, which may have contributed to her addiction.

Professional Treatment

Demi Lovato’s first attempt at substance use disorder treatment came when she was 18, after she punched a backup dancer during a 2010 tour. She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and discharged in 2011.

However, Lovato would continue abusing cocaine and alcohol until 2013, when she again checked into a Los Angeles rehab center. From 2013 to 2018, Lovato would document her ongoing sobriety through social media and 2017 biopic Simply Complicated.

Recovery Is Possible

After Lovato’s 2018 overdose, the pop culture icon continues to discuss the dangers of substance abuse in interviews and documentaries. 

Despite her obstacle-ridden path to recovery, Demi Lovato’s story may be one of triumph through the face of trauma. For drug addiction treatment that can treat people of all backgrounds and statuses, contact us today.