Demi Lovato releases first statement since drug overdose

WASHINGTON (Circa) -- Demi Lovato is speaking out for the first time since her overdose in July.

Lovato says she's been transparent about her struggles with addiction and has learned that "this illness is not something that disappears or fades with time." She continued saying, "it is something I must continue to overcome and have not done yet."

She also thanked God "for keeping me alive and well" and her fans for their "love and support throughout this past week and beyond."

Lovato has agreed to enter a drug treatment center once she is released from the hospital, People Magazine reports. She is still at Cedars-Sinai hospital in Los Angeles recovering from the incident.

In 2010, she received treatment for bipolar disorder, bulimia, self-harm and addiction but unfortunately relapsed shortly afterwards. Lovato would go on to enter a sober living facility for a year and released a documentary about her battle via YouTube titled "Simply Complicated."