Rising star Lola Young has revealed the harrowing details behind her onstage collapse in September, attributing it to a struggle with cocaine addiction. The British singer-songwriter, who experienced a meteoric rise to fame with her viral hit “Messy” in 2024, shared her experiences in a recent interview, detailing a period of intense pressure and relapse. Young’s story is a candid look at the challenges faced by artists navigating success while battling personal demons, and the importance of seeking help.
The collapse at the All Things Go festival in New York served as a critical turning point for Young, 25, forcing her to confront the severity of her addiction. Following the incident, she cancelled all upcoming tour dates, stating a need to prioritize her health and well-being. Young’s journey, marked by both public triumphs and private struggles, highlights the complexities of maintaining mental and physical health in the demanding world of music. Her openness about her experiences aims to destigmatize addiction and encourage others to seek support.
From Viral Success to a Breaking Point
Young’s breakthrough came with the unexpected success of “Messy” on TikTok, propelling her into the international spotlight. However, the rapid ascent brought with it a whirlwind of demands – interviews, album promotion, and a packed festival schedule – that exacerbated existing vulnerabilities. She had previously sought treatment for cocaine addiction in November 2024, spending five weeks in rehabilitation, as Billboard reported. A subsequent relapse in the summer of 2025 led to a second stint in treatment.
Despite her efforts, the pressures of her career continued to take a toll. Young, who too lives with schizoaffective disorder and ADHD, explained the difficulty of balancing her mental health with the expectations of the music industry. “You aim for to say yes to everything because everything’s on the table, but then you also have to balance that with your mental health, and I’ve been super open about my mental-health condition that I suffer from,” she said, according to The Independent. She acknowledged making choices that were self-destructive, yet also driven by a desire to perform.
Seeking Holistic Treatment and Ongoing Support
Following her onstage collapse, Young made the demanding decision to check herself into a holistic facility for two months. This period of intensive treatment was followed by a commitment to attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings and working with a sponsor. “It was a decision… that I had to make, and it was sad that I had to do that,” she reflected. “What else was I going to do, die? That was the reality of where my addiction was heading.”
Young expressed gratitude for the collapse, describing it as a “breaking point” that ultimately allowed her to prioritize her health and well-being. “It was, what do you call that? Like, a breaking point which allowed me to then be able to be here today, allowed me to be better for my fans, better for the future, and better for myself,” she stated. This sentiment echoes through recent accounts of her recovery, emphasizing the positive impact of confronting her addiction head-on.
The singer’s journey has been closely followed by fans and industry peers alike. Her willingness to share her struggles has resonated with many, sparking conversations about mental health and addiction within the music community. People magazine highlighted the significance of her openness, noting the courage it takes to publicly address such personal challenges.
Looking Ahead
Lola Young’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental and physical health, particularly within the high-pressure environment of the entertainment industry. Her commitment to ongoing treatment and support demonstrates a dedication to long-term recovery and well-being. As she continues to rebuild her career, Young’s experiences are likely to inform her artistry and inspire others facing similar struggles. The next steps in her musical journey remain to be seen, but her recent transparency suggests a renewed focus on authenticity and self-care.
What are your thoughts on Lola Young’s bravery in sharing her story? Share your comments below and help spread awareness about addiction and mental health.
