Demi Lovato goes public on March 23rd in a YouTube original docuseries Dancing with the Devil, where Lovato is prepared to discuss her struggle with drug and alcohol abuse, her fight with bulimia and anorexia, and her many attempts for recovery and continued relapse. Lovato commented that she wants the public to know “her process of regaining what she sacrificed both physically and emotionally” as an entertainer. Lovato, a talented singer, pianist, and guitar player has suffered the stress of being in the public eye, a fight that had knocked her down may times, but she comes back fighting even harder.
Lovato began her career in 2007 at the young age of 7, where she was first seen on the ever popular show Barney and Friends.” Soon after being discovered for her unique voice, Lovato was offered a role on Camp Rock. It was then that Lovato became serious about singing. Lovato stepped back from acting and went out on her own where she released her debut album in 2008, “Don’t Forget,” which hit number 2 on the Billboard charts. By 2017 Lovato had sold over 2 million albums, but her success came with consequences. She underestimated the pressure of being in the public eye, and sought for a perfect physical appearance. In 2010 Lovato experienced her first bout with mental illness, bulimia and anorexia. It was not long after that she checked herself into her first medical treatment center.
The Struggle Just Begins
Lovato continued with her therapy but her bulimia seemed to worsen. Distraught and confused, Lovato began cutting herself and her use of drugs and alcohol were out of control. Lovato commented that “she was self-medicating,” and the use of drugs and alcohol eased her daily anxiety more than her therapy. Lovato later went on to say that “I’m not gonna lie, I was self-medicating. I was doing things like drinking and using drugs, like a lot of teens do to numb their pain. But now I don’t drink. I don’t do drugs. I don’t throw up after meals. I don’t starve myself. There’s nothing that I do that I feel ashamed of.” Lovato released this statement believing she had recovered. In 2013, she published her first book “Staying Strong: 365 Days a Year.” In her book she revealed that she also suffers from Bi-Polar disease. Lovato had tattooed her left wrist with the word “Stay,” and on the right the word “Strong.” Lovato stated that she had tattooed these words so that “ every time she feels like cutting herself, it will stop her.” Unfortunately the pressure became to much for Lovarto and her use of alcohol and cocaine had reached its peak in 2018.
Lovato was admitted to the Cedars Medial Center in July 2018,for an overdose of Oxycodone that was laced with Fentanyl. In a statement following her overdose Lovato admitted publicly that she “wasn’t working my program. I wasn’t ready to get sober.” Like many stars in the entertainment industry, Lovato found it easier to deal with the stressors of daily life by numbing her anxiety with drugs and alcohol. In an interview with Ellen Degeneres Lovato talked more about her struggle with bulimia in 2018, and how bulimia contributed to her almost fatal overdose in 2018.
Recovery, One Day At A Time
Lovato continues with her recovery everyday and since 2018 she has been dedicated to educating young girls of the dangers of substance abuse. Lovato has a tattoo on her right side, “you make me beautiful,” which she often looks at when she needs reassurance that her life is meaningful, and that because of her strength she is alive. In Lovato’s upcoming docuseries she will discuss her ever present temptation with bulimia, her obsession with food,and her body. Lovato will talk about her brief engagement to Max Ehrich and how the breakup has challenged her recovery both mentally and physically. She will reflect on the support that she received from her family and friends, and her gratitude to all those who have supported her during her recovery.
It’s been two years since I came face – to – face with the darkest point in my life, and now I’m ready to share my story with the world. For the first time, you’ll be able to see my chronicle of struggle and ongoing healing from my point of view. I’m grateful that I was able to take this journey to face my past head-on, and finally share it with the world.” Demi Lovato
