Demi Lovato has always been open about her struggles with mental health issues and addiction. Now Lovato is the co-owner of the CAST Centers, the same rehab facility that helped her turn her life around and get healthy.
The singer received treatment for depression, bulimia, as well as drug and alcohol abuse. “CAST was my home while I was in recovery and over the past several years, I have stayed close to the staff and to Mike Bayer, [Founder and CEO, CAST Centers] and have seen their passion and tireless efforts firsthand, not only through my own treatment, but with others as well. I’m excited to have the opportunity to become a partner in a business that I have such close ties to, and to continue to raise awareness around mental health,” said Lovato in a statement.
Lovato has come a long way since getting treatment, and CAST’S CEO Mike Bayer even traveled with her on tour this summer. He recalls that when he first met her she was “very closed off” and would answer in short one-word answers.
“Yeah, I was a nightmare,” she said.
Not surprisingly Lovato made many promises while she was in treatment and even made one to God. “It sounds ridiculous but, like, I kind of made a pact with God. And I don’t even think you’re supposed to do that, but I was, like, I promised, ‘If you make me a singer one day, I’m going to use my voice for so much more than singing, and I’m going to help people with it.'”
Lovato learned a lot from her experience, in particular how to function without drugs and alcohol. “And because of that,” she said, “I’m now sitting here right now alive and more successful than I’ve ever been.”
The songstress will reveal more details about her partnership in an interview with CBS “Sunday Morning” this Sunday, September 11.