Troubled teen star Demi Lovato has been released from rehab after two months of treatment for “emotional and physical issues.” Lovato, 18, abruptly went into a facility in surburban Illinois on Nov. 1, leaving her tour with the Jonas Brothers.
On Thursday, the “Sonny With a Chance” star left Chicago and returned to her family home in LA, where sources say she’ll continue to see doctors for her problems. A rep for Lovato confirmed, “Demi is happy to be back home and near her family again.”
Sources said Lovato had been suffering from eating disorders, emotional issues, depression and cutting. But she decided to enter treatment right after reportedly punching Jonas Brothers backup dancer Alex Welch on a plane. Welch reportedly had told tour managers that Lovato was acting badly the night before, and she retaliated by hitting her in the face. Welch was photographed with a black eye, and Lovato reportedly reached a financial settlement with her.
A source close to Lovato said, “Despite rumors, Demi wasn’t in rehab for drugs or alcohol. She was there for an eating disorder that was compounded by emotional and depression issues. The incident with the dancer was the catalyst. Demi realized she had a problem she had to fix, and the problem was how she was handling stress. It was manifesting itself in odd behavior and an eating disorder. She also has had cutting issues in the past. She decided enough was enough and she needed help.”
After a month at the facility, Lovato stayed in Illinois for an extra month of outpatient care. Our source said, “She didn’t come back to LA until her doctors told her they were absolutely satisfied with her recovery. She’s not in a rush to get back to work. Disney said they’ll wait until she is ready.”
Lovato, who’s now expected to start work on a new album, a tour and filming, wrote on Facebook this month: “I want to make sure my fans know how thankful I am for all their love, support and prayers . . . Thank you for standing beside me.”