On Tuesday, singer Demi Lovato was rushed to the hospital for a medical emergency. TMZ reported that she was found unconscious in home, suffering from an apparent heroin overdose. Hours later, her representative issued a statement announcing Demi was "awake with her family" and that "some of the information being reported is incorrect." A source close to the former Disney Channel star told TMZ that the overdose was not from heroin. It is not known which specific drugs Demi took, but reportedly she was treated with Narcan, an emergency medication to reverse the effects of a narcotics overdose.
The 25-year-old struggled with substance abuse in the past, and recently reached a milestone: six years of sobriety. Rather than hide her personal demons from the public, she was always an open book. She talked in detail about her battles with bipolar disorder, drugs, depression and the importance of mental health. After hearing about her overdose, fans shared emotional stories on Twitter about how Demi helped them get through hard times.
Celebrities also shared heartfelt messages of support. Ariana Grande, Ellen DeGeneres, Kehlani and a swarm of other stars described what Demi means to them and sent their love. Ex-boyfriend Wilmer Valderrama has not made any public statements However, a source told Us Weekly he was 'completely devastated' by her hospitalization. Another source told People that Wilmer, her boyfriend of six years, "was her rock through some of her darkest moments. To see her back in such a sad and vulnerable place is heart-breaking for him."
A TMZ reporter chased down Justin Bieber in a parking garage to get his reaction to Demi's overdose. "It's very said," said Justin. "No I haven't talked to her, but my prayers go out to her and her family for sure. I thought she was sober, that's terrible, right?"
Apparently, Justin was stunned by the news. Maybe that's because he's been distracted, having just announced his engagement to Hailey Baldwin. Last month, Demi dropped the single Sober, where she confessed to having a relapse: "Momma, I’m so sorry I’m not sober anymore / Daddy, please forgive me for the drinks spilled on the floor ... To the ones who never left me, we’ve been down this road before."
According to TMZ's latest report, on Monday night, Demi celebrated the birthday of one of her back-up dancers at the Saddle Ranch Chop House in Los Angeles. A group then left the western-themed restaurant/bar to party all night at Demi's house in the Hollywood Hills. First responders arrived on Tuesday at around noon, and none of those partygoers were present.
Reports of Demi's overdose took some people by surprise. Others claimed to know she fell off the wagon and was on a disturbing path. Sometimes a friend, or an acquaintance, will seem completely normal, and have darkness broiling underneath the surface. We wish Demi a speedy recovery.
