NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) – A representative for Demi Lovato says she is awake and recovering with her family after the pop singer was hospitalized Tuesday for an overdose. Lovato’s story is one many can relate to, including Kevin Parker who lost his leg due to complications with an overdose in 2011. “My heart stopped in the ambulance,” said Parker “I spent three weeks in a coma.” Parker’s addiction started with painkillers after a car crash and led to harsher drugs before getting sober for seven years. Parker spent months recovering in a treatment program at Staten Island University Hospital where he later volunteered. Now he says his life is dedicated to helping people going through the same thing he did. “Addiction is not biased,” he said. “It can happen to anybody. You can be black, white, yellow, poor, rich, famous.” That message is echoed by Dr. Lipi Roy of NYU Langone Health. “Just like if you had diabetes, I would make sure you are receiving treatment chronically for as long as you have the disease,” said Roy, adding Lovato’s condition is an opportunity for parents to talk to their children. “If you find that your child is using, misusing drugs… get them the care that they need so they’re not isolated,” she said. Parker agrees and says his key to staying sober is all about daily support from family and sticking to rehab programs. “Somebody in recovery that actually beat drugs and addiction, I see them as the strongest people I’ve ever seen in my life,” said Parker. “I consider them warriors.” Reports on Tuesday night gave conflicting reports about what kind of overdose Lovato had. The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed that they transported a 25-year-old woman after responding to a medical call at a home on 8000 block of Laurel View Drive, at 11:22 a.m. Tuesday. Lovato owns a home on that block, and Entertainment Tonight reports she was in stable condition after being transported for a drug overdose. Last month, Lovato released a song called “Sober,” with lyrics appearing to reference struggles with her six-year sobriety . She co-owns a Los Angeles rehab facility where she sought treatment in 2011. In her YouTube documentary released last year called “Demi Lovato, Simply Complicated,” she openly discusses her cocaine use and battles with alcohol. Lovato is currently on tour, where she has been open about living with bipolar disorder , for which she received a diagnosis in 2010. If You Have Tickets To Thursday’s Atlantic City Show… The pop star’s planned performance Thursday in Atlantic City has been cancelled , but organizers are offering ticket holders various options. “Demi’s Atlantic City appearance on July 26th has been canceled in light of today’s news,” said promoter Live Nation. “Tickets will be valid to attend the Lauv performance on July 26th along with The Chainsmokers show on July 29th as part of the Atlantic City BeachFest Concert Series. Refunds are also available at point of purchase if preferred.” Thursday’s show features singer-songwriter Lauv, who has a current hit with “I Like Me Better.” Both Lauv and Sunday’s Chainsmokers concert are part of the Atlantic City BeachFest Concert Series. (© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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Demi Lovato Recovery An Addiction Battle Many Face Every Day
