Demi Lovato Gets Vulnerable in New Song About Her Sobriety

On Thursday, singer and outspoken mental health advocate Demi Lovato released a new song called “Sober,” where she sings about relapsing in addiction recovery. The singer celebrated six years of sobriety last March. In the chorus she sings,

Momma, I’m so sorry, I’m not sober anymore
And Daddy, please forgive me for the drinks spilled on the floor
To the ones who never left me
We’ve been down this road before
I’m so sorry, I’m not sober anymore

My truth… https://t.co/tmDhhBGLNQ#sober out now pic.twitter.com/Uwfg6PFPk9

— Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) June 21, 2018

Lovato has consistently been open about her mental health struggles. In addition to living with both bipolar disorder and an eating disorder, last October in her documentary, “Simply Complicated,” the singer spoke candidly about abusing alcohol and cocaine.

Although not everyone with bipolar disorder will develop an addiction, some studies estimate about 56 percent of people with bipolar disorder will also struggle with addiction at some point in their lives.

“Sober” hits on themes many people in addiction recovery, or mental health recovery in general, may relate to. Perhaps most notably is the experience of being lonely, which Lovato sings is the reason she turns back to her past vices.

I don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t know why
I do it every, every, every time
It’s only when I’m lonely
Sometimes I just wanna cave
And I don’t wanna fight
I try and I try and I try and I try and I try
Just hold me, I’m lonely

Lovato has also previously spoken about how loneliness affects her mental health. In her documentary, Lovato revealed she had relapsed in eating disorder recovery after her breakup from longtime boyfriend Wilmer Valderrama.

“When I was in a relationship with Wilmer, I went three years without purging,” Lovato said. “When we broke up, that’s one of the first things I did. When I feel lonely, my heart feels hungry, and then I end up bingeing, and I don’t know how to figure out how to be alone.”

Lovato’s fans have connected with the song largely because it showcases a simple truth about recovery — it’s not linear.

Sober has a different meaning for everyone. Admitting that you need help, IS OKAY. Relapse is a part of recovery. It’s okay to not be okay. #Sober @ddlovato

— g ♡ (@iivimmxii) June 21, 2018

Holy shit, #sober is stunning. I’m absolutely speechless, @ddlovato.

Sobriety is a lifelong fight.
You’ll conquer it again.https://t.co/S1BN6Hr9Iq

— Alex Goldschmidt (@alexandergold) June 21, 2018

#Sober is so honest and raw. It’s so beautiful. Nothing is gonna change, we stand by you and that’s forever. We love you so much @ddlovato

— marie???? (@AlessiasLovato) June 21, 2018

If you’re struggling with relapse or recovery, you’re not alone. Mighty contributor Ameriah Shcober has some words of wisdom about recovery.

It’s hard. This is a given. Recovery isn’t supposed to be easy (even though I wish it sometimes was)…

You’ll slip up. Again, recovery is hard. Recovery isn’t linear. There will be times when you’ll be doing great, and there will be times that you won’t be doing so great…

[But] recovery is worth it. As much as recovery sucks, it is so worth it. Recovery is probably the best decision I’ve ever made.