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Demi Lovato taken to hospital after reported drug overdose

The singer has a history of substance abuse 

Chelsea Ritschel
in New York
Tuesday 24 July 2018 23:06 BST
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DNC 2016: Demi Lovato speaks about mental health as she endorses Hillary Clinton

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Demi Lovato has been taken to the hospital after a reported drug overdose.

According to reports by TMZ, the singer - who has fought substance abuse for several years - overdosed on Tuesday morning at her home in the Hollywood Hills.

The Los Angeles Police Department told The Independent an emergency call was put out for a 25-year-old female in the area at 11.39am. Her current condition is unclear.

One report suggested that Lovato was treated with Narcan, a prescription medicine used in the treatment of an opioid overdose, however, the LAPD declined to confirm this to The Independent.

Lovato has openly discussed her history of drug abuse, which began when the singer was 17. She went to rehab in 2010 and was open about the extent of her drug problems in a 2012 documentary called Demi Lovato: Simply Complicated.

In the documentary, Lovato revealed that she first tried cocaine when she was 17 and "loved it."

According to Lovato, addiction runs in her family and her father was an "addict and an alcoholic."

The singer reportedly overdosed at her Hollywood Hills home (Getty)
The singer reportedly overdosed at her Hollywood Hills home (Getty)

The singer's struggles with addiction worsened when she went on tour with the Jonas Brothers, a time in her life she was using drugs every day and felt her problem had gotten out of control, according to the documentary. Lovato also revealed battles with mental illness and eating disorders.

The 25-year-old celebrated six years of sobriety in March but following the release of her recent song "Sober," some speculated the singer may have relapsed, due to lyrics including "Momma, I'm so sorry, I'm not sober anymore."

Ariana Grande has responded to the reports of Lovato's hospitalisation on Twitter, writing: "I love u @ddlovato."

Ellen DeGeneres also tweeted her support for the singer, writing: "I love @DDLovato so much. It breaks my heart that she is going through this. She is a light in this world, and I am sending my love to her and her family."

Lovato performed on stage on Sunday at the California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles, California and was expected to perform an upcoming show in Atlantic City, New Jersey this week.

If you or anyone you know is suffering from substance abuse problems, help is available:

UK: NHS drug addiction helpline - 0300 123 6600

US: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - 1-800-662-HELP

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