These days Demi Lovato is on top of the world. But it wasn't always like that.
In the new issue of Cosmopolitan for Latinas, the actress and singer is opening up about living sober after battling issues with substance abuse and cutting.
Recounting her 21st birthday trip to Africa last summer, Lovato dished, "I was used to drinking and doing drugs on my birthday. I always imagined my 21st being a huge party where I'd get s--t-faced and go crazy. But I realized that there's so much more to life than that."
Lovato also has bipolar disorder and calls managing it "a daily thing." "I treat it with medication," she said. "Not everybody does that, but for me it works. That's what works for me—medicating, checking in with people, being honest and being grateful for things."
Lovato says she hopes she can be a strong role model for young girls and fans. "When I was younger, I needed someone in the spotlight to idolize, who stood for positivity and light and happiness, and wanted to change the world," she revealed. "And because I didn't have that, I realized, I want to do that, if only for my 12-year-old little sister."
As for her future, Lovato says, "I'm very proud of how far I've come, but I definitely want to win a Grammy one day, and I dream of winning an Oscar. I want to continue to tour and build my fan base and make music that will last for decades."