Demi Lovato's rehab stint made for easy Disney transition

Pop star Demi Lovato credits her stint in rehab with helping her to leave her Disney days firmly in her past.

The Confident hitmaker rose to fame as a child star on the family-friendly network, but she struggled with the pressures of Hollywood and ended up seeking professional help in 2010, at the age of 18, after battling a string of issues with eating disorders, self-harming, and substance abuse.

It was a tough time for Demi, but she has since emerged strong and sober, and the 24-year-old admits conquering her personal troubles in the public eye actually helped her transition from a Disney darling to a grown-up star.

"For me, the transition was a little bit easier because I didn't have to do anything to break out of the Disney mould," she told The Calgary Herald.

"It's a lot easier when you just go to rehab," she continued. "So, I kind of grew up really fast in the public eye in that way and so when it was time to release my music, I think people looked at me differently."