Demi Lovato opens up about her demons

Over the past few years, Demi Lovato has had a very open battle with depression, drug addiction and self-abuse. Now, four years after becoming sober, she is more present, open and confident than ever.

In a recent interview with Refinery 29, the 23-year-old mega star opened up about her history of drug abuse and self-loathing. Lovato has made no secret of her struggles, in the hope that she can help others who are suffering similarly.

She says, 'I’d rather live my life free and open than closed off, where people like me for something that I’m not.'

 
Lovato admits that at the height of her drug addiction she couldn't go an hour without using cocaine. 'Prior to getting sober, I was one of those people who was like, I don’t give a f**k, whatever. And I used that as an excuse to do whatever I wanted. I was a nightmare to work with.' In true Lovato fashion she is unforgiving about her former self, who she describes as, 'Just bitchy, a c**t.'

Now, though, the singer is more content than ever. She is happier on the couch with her Yorkshire terrier, Batman, than she is at a party. 'I know [my life] sounds so boring, but I’ve come to a place where I’d rather be relaxed than get all dressed up and go to some party or club with people who don’t really care about my well-being at all,' she says, shrugging.

A staunch feminist, she also delves into her views on female camaraderie, saying, 'Listen, there’s nothing positive that comes from pitting women against each other. There are women that I don’t get along with, and that’s fine. My thing is, don’t brand yourself a feminist if you don’t do the work. I have an immense amount of respect for women like Lena Dunham...or Beyoncé, who make amazing political statements through their work.' Agreed, Demi.

Another thing important to Lovato is assertiveness. 'I have no problem standing up for myself. Maybe I got it from growing up in Texas, but I never took shit from anybody,' she explains. 'Now I know how to do it without pushing people away. You just don’t approach things with a f**k you mentality. Instead it’s: This is the way I’m perceiving things. There’s nothing wrong with my beliefs or feelings. So let’s agree to disagree, or let’s just disagree.'

A picture of happiness, it seems Lovato has weathered the storm of addiction and come out the other side, stronger than ever. Just don't ask her when she and long-term boyfriend Wilmer Valderrama will wed. 'It’s nobody’s business but ours, and when it happens, it happens.'