British singer-songwriter Lola Young has provided a detailed health update regarding her addiction treatment and participation in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, following her dramatic collapse on stage last year. The 25-year-old artist, best known for her hit single "Messy," cancelled all scheduled performances after being carried off-stage during the All Things Go Music Festival in New York in September.
Ongoing Sobriety Journey
In a revealing new interview with The Sunday Times, Lola candidly discussed her "ongoing" recovery process, stating she is "doing a hell of a lot better" since beginning treatment. While maintaining some privacy about specifics, she emphasized that "recovery is an ongoing process" and clarified that her journey specifically involves drug recovery. The singer confirmed she checked into a holistic facility focusing on addiction and mental health treatment and is now regularly attending AA meetings.
Album Recording During Difficult Period
Lola revealed she was battling similar personal demons while recording her 2024 album I'm Only F**king Myself, describing significant mental health struggles and addiction battles during that creative period. Her previous work has included lyrics addressing cocaine addiction and rehabilitation experiences, with one track describing herself as "a dumb little addict... trying to quit the snowflake."
Concert Cancellations and Public Response
The artist addressed criticism she received for cancelling multiple concerts to focus on recovery following her on-stage collapse. Speaking to Rolling Stone, Lola acknowledged facing "a bunch of hate" but defended her decision as necessary for survival, stating her addiction was heading toward potentially fatal consequences. She expressed gratitude for the traumatic incident, calling it a turning point that enabled her recovery journey toward a "better future."
Celebrity Support and Awards Success
Despite her challenges, Lola has received overwhelming support from fellow musicians including Katy Perry, Elton John, and Lady Gaga. Her professional achievements continue to accumulate, with five Brit Award nominations earlier this year and her first Grammy win last month for Best Pop Solo Performance for "Messy." Following her Grammy victory, the singer celebrated with an In-N-Out burger rather than alcohol, maintaining her commitment to sobriety.
Mental Health Diagnosis and Management
Lola revealed in 2022 that she was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder at age 17, a condition combining symptoms of schizophrenia with mood disorders. In an Instagram post, she described how this diagnosis has significantly impacted her life while emphasizing that her mental health condition "does not define me" and is instead her "superpower."
Family History and Symptom Management
The singer disclosed having uncles on both sides of her family who also had schizophrenia and tragically died. She believes her condition may have been partially triggered by using cannabis to manage childhood trauma. Lola typically recognizes approaching manic episodes through unusual thoughts and manages them with medication, though she has previously been unexpectedly sectioned during severe episodes.
Tour Challenges and Personal Struggles
The unpredictability of her illness creates significant challenges for touring, with manic episodes sometimes lasting a month and involving several consecutive sleepless nights. Lola admitted her condition often brings feelings of guilt and shame, particularly after incidents where she has been unwell in public settings. Despite these ongoing challenges, she continues to navigate both her mental health management and successful music career simultaneously.
