Heroin or Heroine: Life is Simply, Complicated
/**Please note, before reading this article that I may or may not speak on some sensitive material. I also I do not claim to know everything about addiction and its affects, I can only speak from my personal experience and research.
Demi Lovato in Simply, Complicated.
I’ve always been intrigued by Demi Lovato’s life story. I can’t say that I was a 'superfan' of her earlier music, but her recent discography has actually hit some really great musical spots for me. If you haven’t already, listen to her newest albums Unbroken, Demi, Confident & Tell Me you Love Me! I’ll post some of the links to tracks for your listening pleasure... moving on.
Just to refresh your memory, Demi Lovato made her debut as a child actress in Barney & Friends in 2002; and rose to Stardom in 2008 upon her success in the Disney Channel television film, Camp Rock. After the release of multiple movies and soundtracks, Lovato took a hiatus from her career to treat her drug addictions and rehabilitate her health. After completing her treatment in 2011, Demi continued working on her third studio album, Unbroken, in which addressed some of her difficulties. She did this all while participating as a judge on the X Factor alongside Simon Cowell, Britney Spears, and L.A Reid.
It's Simply, Complicated
In 2017, Lovato Released her documentary Simply, Complicated which is one of the most candid films about rehabilitation. The 25-year-old takes us on her journey towards self-discovery and the management of her newfound sobriety. Demi exposes her battles with addictions, eating disorders, and mental health wellness; and she even speaks on her fluid sexuality. She does this with complete bravery and triumph as she recounts the days of her past.
I personally enjoyed the documentary because it allowed me to understand Lovato a bit more and thus made me intrigued with her music. Although I am confident that Lovato did not use this documentary as a sole means of promoting her music, it definitely is a strong business tactic, intentional, or not because it serves as a way for Demi's fans to witness a raw adult version of the Disney character they used to know. For many Disney patrons, it’s very difficult to break from that little kid mold that Disney entangles you. Demi is such a powerhouse singer and I really do think that this documentary will humanize her more within the pop culture and bring people to respect her, her music, her story, and her artistry a lot more because of her authenticity that she reveals to us. Her documentary definitely changed my perception of Demi from a Disney Kid to a powerful, dynamic and strong individual creating her voice in the music industry.
Her documentary chronicles her life throughout her addictions, relapses, surmountable goals and transforming revelations.
The lessons she reveals that she has learned throughout her complications are all lessons that we, as humans, learn at least one point in our lives. I appreciated how candid she was because many of us go through life unaware of the lessons that our misery teaches us. Within every lesson that she discussed, I found myself identifying with most.
Sex is natural
As a woman, I find myself retreating from instances that sexualize my body or image; and the way that society is set up, that's sometimes the safe thing to do. However, I also have realized that sometimes I, personally, become overly conscious of my body and how I adore it. I have come to learn that others may sexualize the female body, but that is their problem. Everyone is going to have their opinion, but the way that a woman carries her body is her own choice.
Heartbreak is unavoidable
Everyone goes through tough heartbreaks, unfortunately, that is part of life. As Demi says, it is unavoidable. I have had many shares of it and at times didn't know how to address them, but that is something that I am still learning as I grow.
Be a voice and a survivor
Honestly, Demi has done a great job of this and we can see it through her many philanthropies and support groups. I believe at her concerts people are able to sign up for professional help and accommodating therapy sessions. Through her own struggles, she has given many of her fans an example of how life through addiction looks like.
Love is necessary
Love is necessary for life... Being loved is necessary for our health, not always romantically, but amicably amongst friends and family. Being surrounded by people who actually care for you and check up on you..that is necessary for growth and prosperity.
Loneliness is brutal
I can identify. It's a miserable thing to feel that you are alone and everyone experiences this at least some time in your life, but knowing that there are people that do care about you whether that be your immediate family, your friends, a teacher or a reoccurring figure in your life, it can make a difference.
Truth is the key to happiness
When you know your truth, you learn the right ways to grow, learn and prosper. When you walk in your truth, you are unstoppable. It doesn't mean that you won't have bumps in the road, but at least you have a solid understanding.
Be ok with not having all the answers
I feel like she was speaking to me with this one. I hate the unknowns, the what if's or the how come's. They suck, but they are also not needed and this is something that I need to be ok with not having.
Secrets make you sick
In Demi's case, I can understand how all of these points affected her, but most definitely this one hits home for everyone. When you suppress your emotions, feelings or secrets it does harm to your body and to your psyche. It can also physically make you sick. In addition, those struggling with addiction literally can foster an environment by their lack of transparency because someone may not always be there to help if they do not know.
Your mental health is more important than what people think of you
I am not going to spend too long on this point because I know it all too well. I have driven myself to the point of breaking because I was so worried about other people and didn't focus on myself and my well being. I didn't understand how important my mental health was and I took it for granted.
Let's Talk About Her Relapse (Updated July 26th)
On July 24th, news broke out that Demi was hospitalized for a heroin overdose. With news of this, I debated forgoing this article, but I don't think that's necessary because Demi is still what the road to recovery looks like.
You see, Demi has been sober for almost six years until this relapse. To be completely honest, addiction is a journey and no road is similar to another. According to Dr. Drew Pinksy drug addition is a deadly disease "marked by relapse and it typically takes multiple years and treatments for someone to achieve a single year of sobriety". So, this may not be her last relapse in her journey to sobriety, but it is all just a normal part of the course of her illness.
Demi is like all of us who are trying to figure out our lives despite the unpredictable world that we live in. In her case, she has an added layer of addiction to filter through. I definitely give her tons of props for picking herself up, dusting herself off each and every time while continuing to share her talent with the world, despite it all.
To me, she is still a role model. She is an example of people who struggle with addiction and continues to be that someone who other people can look to for inspiration and identify with.
“Her Tour, Her Personality, Her Optimism, & Watch Her Documentary”
Through advocating, exercise, and self-love, Lovato has kept her life busy. Her relapse doesn't discount all of the improvements she has made to her life. She will succeed in making her comeback, indeed, catastrophic in a good way. Demi says it herself; " When I'm comfortable in my own skin, I feel confident. When I feel confident, I feel sexy. When I feel sexy... watch out."
In fact, on her 2018 , Tell Me You Love Me Tour with DJ Khaled, Kehlani and some special guests Kehlani stated:
" Khaled pushes the importance of self love, family, and faith in God. Demi pushes awareness for mental health, inner strength, family & cannot forget queer representation. And y’all know how I get down".
Of course, I think it's safe to say that Demi's life is not all of a sudden perfect, but she's working on bettering herself and I think a lot of us can learn from that and she may fall, but as fans, supporters or just human beings we should be lifting her up through her addiction. Demi is just one example that has been amplified throughout media and pop culture, but there are tons of people out there struggling with addiction to many different things. It is also important to note that not everyone gets the help that she does. This is NOT to discredit her improvements, but I mention this to the understanding that addiction is extremely powerful and even celebrities can have a hard time dealing with the disease. Just because one is famous doesn't make them immune to human pitfalls.
It is admirable that Demi consistently picks herself up after each relapse, and that is ultimately what matters.
If you haven't watched her documentary yet... watch below!
Also, please let me know what you think of Demi's documentary and relapse in the comments below! Be kind and uplifting!
Her Documentary
Demi Lovato: Simply Complicated is a full length documentary that gives a personal and intimate look into Demi Lovato's life as not only a regular 25 year old, but also one of the biggest pop stars in the world.
KEVIN WINTER/GETTY IMAGES ENTERTAINMENT/GETTY IMAGES
Article Updated July 26th 2018.
