When I first saw Demi Lovato on the Disney Channel years ago, I remember thinking that she was very talented, beautiful and smart. Furthermore, I thought that she was a great role model for other girls to follow. That is why I was surprised to learn that she actually had a lot of issues going on behind the scenes, including an eating disorder, bipolar disorder, cocaine use and self-harming. Eventually, she respectfully put her life on hold and left Disney Channel in order to check into rehab and turn her life around.
Some people may probably think "She has everything. Why would she ever do drugs or be sad?" Well, let me tell you that addiction can happen to anyone, no matter how many fans they have or much money they may have to their name.
Addiction does not discriminate.
I also want to point out the fact that certain people who support Demi are the same ones that turn their backs on average people who have the same addictions. In the case of celebrities, many of these one-sided supporters write posts saying "Praying for you," "She is so beautiful," "She's still my role model" and so on. Meanwhile, say there is a father who is struggling to get clean, but he relapses and overdoses. Instead, people mock him, saying "Oh, what a junkie" or "Someone should take those kids away from them." The point that is being made here is that no one is immune to addiction, and, yes, we should pray for Demi, but we should also pray for the everyday people that are struggling. You don't know what they are going through, and you don't know what led them to that point in their lives so we all need to keep an open mind.
What we should be doing is being there for those who may need it by helping those people get back on their feet, providing help taking care of their kids or assisting with job searches. If they are willing to make the effort to change their lives for the better then we need to be supporting them, not bashing them which will just further stunt their healing journey.
If someone you know is struggling with addiction, please let them know that you are there for them. It is not going to be an easy battle, but if those people have love and support to get going then they can kick addiction in the butt. Addiction is something that is permanent, but it is up to us to make sure that it doesn't take control again.
Why wait 'til a celebrity dies or almost dies to care about people who are struggling with addiction right now? We should be caring about that all the time, not just when addiction is relevant in the news. Let's keep an eye on our loved ones -- give them a call or offer to help them out in any way possible, just being there for them no matter what. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, here are two resources to call for help:
SAMHSA's National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222
