Singer Demi Lovato Overdoses after Apparent Relapse
Date: July 31, 2018
Chart-topping pop star and actress Demi Lovato was still recovering in the hospital Monday after a suspected overdose in her Los Angeles home last Tuesday, July 24.
A source close to the family says the overdose was not heroin but possibly a combination of unspecified drugs. It is assumed that she had a relapse from her addiction with cocaine and other drugs. Lovato has had a history of drug and alcohol addiction, which was explored in the YouTube documentary SIMPLY COMPLICATED, released October 2017. The documentary followed Lovato and those close to her as she talked openly about her history of mental illness and addiction. She has been diagnosed as suffering from bipolar disorder.
In addition to the documentary, Lovato has been very honest about her struggles and went on Good Morning America in March this year to talk about her six years of sobriety.
She said, “I think the very first thing you have to do is admit that you have a problem, and then you have to ask for help. You also have to know that it’s possible. One of the reasons I’ve stayed sober is because I want people to know that it is possible for you to get help and recover.” Lovato’s story of recovery has inspired many people along the way.
Relapses like the one Lovato suffered last week are very common with addicts. The fact that she had been sober for six years is positive news since lots of addicts may not be able to go even six months without using.
Addiction expert Dr. Drew Pinksy said, “This is just part of the course of her illness, and it’s chronic, and she’ll get better.” He also explained that drug addiction is a deadly disease that is marked by relapse, typically taking multiple years of treatments and recovery for someone to reach even just one full year of sobriety. It is all part of the recovery process.
Celebrities and fans alike have come to Demi Lovato’s aid in support of her recovery including Kelly Rowland, Kim Kardashian West, Ellen DeGeneres, and Ariana Grande. Singer and friend Nick Jonas tweeted, “She is a fighter.”
As a Christian community, we must pray for Lovato’s quick recovery and pray fervently that she will continue to be as strong as she has been the past six years. The family has asked for privacy at this time while Lovato rests and recovers.
As believers, we know that as long as there is sin in the world, there will be pain. It is painful to make great strides and fall down again. Yet we have hope in knowing that Christ is always there to help us up when we fall, should we choose to accept it. That is the beauty of grace. If you or anyone you know has struggled with addiction, please reach out for help.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration hotline: 1-800-662-HELP.
Adult and Teen Challenge USA: (417) 581-2181 or 855-END-ADDICTION.
The Road to Freedom, faith-based addiction care: (844) 329-6895.
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