After drug overdose, a healthy Demi Lovato is loving who she is today

Demi Lovato speaks on stage at the Teen Vogue Summit Nov. 2 in Los Angeles. [The Associated Press]

LOS ANGELES — More than a year after her near-fatal drug overdose, Demi Lovato has a lot to say and little to change.

“I think it’s been a very introspective year for me. I’ve learned a lot, been through a lot,” the “Confident” singer said at last weekend’s Teen Vogue Summit in Los Angeles.

The former child star has struggled with sobriety and was treated for a drug overdose in July 2018, after which she did an additional 60 days in rehab. It was only her latest personal struggle that played out in public. In late 2010, the actress-singer abruptly left the Jonas Brothers tour to enter months of rehab for treatment of depression, eating disorders, cutting and drug and alcohol abuse.

The 27-year-old’s remarks came Saturday during her first interview in more than a year during a public conversation with Teen Vogue editor in chief Lindsay Peoples Wagner. The talk included a sprawling discussion about body positivity and self-acceptance.

“All I have to say is, I’m healthy. In that statement, I express gratitude. I am grateful for my strength and things I can do with my body. I am saying I’m healthy, and I accept the way my body is today without changing anything,” she said, noting at one point that she loves the person she is today.

“What I see in the mirror (is) someone that’s overcome a lot. I’ve been through a lot, and I genuinely see a fighter,” she added. “I don’t see a championship winner, but I see a fighter and someone who is going to continue to fight no matter what is thrown their way. I have a lot of confidence now because I have said the things I believe in. I know I can hold my own on a first date with someone, in a conversation with someone. That’s what I see when I look in the mirror _ a strong woman.”

Lovato also said she has new music on the way, but because of her past, she is tempered about how she’s going about her life and career these days.

“It’s important to remember that I am so cautious this time around of jumping back into things. I’ve really decided to take my time with things,” she added. “When the time is right, I will put it out there. I am dying to release new music ... but everything in due time.”