Demi Lovato speaks out after apparent drug overdose: ‘I am grateful to be alive’

This marks the first time the singer has openly addressed the incident at length

Demi Lovato has opened up after being taken to hospital for an apparent drug overdose earlier this year.

The US singer has said she feels “grateful to be alive” and is now sober after undergoing rehab treatment.

In a series of Twitter posts, Lovato assured fans she is in recovery and thanked them for their support.

“If I feel like the world needs to know something, I will tell them MYSELF,” she began, adding: “Any ‘source’ out there that is willing to talk and sell stories to blogs and tabloids about my life isn’t actually a part of my life.”

“Someday I’ll tell the world what exactly happened, why it happened and what my life is like today but until I’m ready to share that with people, please stop prying,” she continued.

She urged the media to give her more “space and time” to heal. She added: “All my fans need to know is I’m working hard on myself, I’m happy and clean and I’m SO grateful for their support.”

Lovato, who found fame on the Disney Channel, has previously spoken openly about her history with drug and alcohol abuse. In 2017, a YouTube documentary titled Simply Complicated revealed the singer has struggled since the age of 17.

In August, the singer released a statement on a now-deleted Instagram post, explaining that her addiction is “not something that disappears or fades with time”.

These new tweets mark the first time Lovato has referenced the apparent drug overdose at length. Details surrounding the incident still remain unclear.

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Lovato, who is one of the biggest-selling pop artists of her generation, has enjoyed global hits including "Cool For The Summer", "Sorry Not Sorry", and "Solo", the UK number featuring Clean Bandit.

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