Lola Young Opens Up About Breakdown, Rehab, and Return

The singer discusses her 2025 collapse and subsequent treatment, saying "What else was I going to do, die?"

Mar. 11, 2026 at 10:00pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a new interview with Rolling Stone, British singer Lola Young opens up about the 2025 incident that sent her to rehab, saying it was a "breaking point" that allowed her to get better for herself and her fans. Young had already been in treatment in 2025 but relapsed during a busy promo schedule, leading to her collapse at a New York music festival. After two months of lockdown and therapy-focused treatment, Young says she's now attending AA meetings and has a sponsor as she works to maintain her sobriety.

Why it matters

Young's candid discussion of her struggles with addiction and mental health sheds light on the challenges faced by many young artists in the music industry. Her willingness to be open about her journey could help destigmatize these issues and encourage others to seek the support they need.

The details

Prior to her collapse at the All Things Go festival in New York on September 27, 2025, Young had already been in rehab treatment earlier that year. But as she returned to the spotlight to promote her album, she began to backslide, saying "You want to say yes to everything because everything's on the table, but then you also have to balance that with your mental health." This led to her collapse, after which she spent two months in lockdown treatment that focused on therapy as well as addiction treatment. Since leaving rehab, Young has been attending AA meetings and working with a sponsor as she continues her recovery.

  • On September 27, 2025, Young collapsed at the All Things Go festival in New York.
  • Earlier in 2025, Young had previously been in rehab treatment.

The players

Lola Young

A British singer who has been open about her struggles with addiction and mental health.

Lady Gaga

A pop star who provided texts, emails, and support to Young during her time in rehab.

Elton John

A legendary musician who provided texts, emails, and support to Young during her time in rehab.

Katy Perry

A pop star who provided texts, emails, and support to Young during her time in rehab.

Charli XCX

A pop star who provided texts, emails, and support to Young during her time in rehab.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“What else was I going to do, die? That was the reality of where my addiction was heading.”

— Lola Young

“I am very grateful that it happened because it was, what do you call that? Like, a breaking point which allowed me to then be able to be here today. [It] allowed me to be better for my fans, better for the future, and better for myself.”

— Lola Young

What’s next

Young says she is continuing to attend AA meetings and work with a sponsor as she focuses on her ongoing recovery and maintaining her sobriety.

The takeaway

Young's openness about her struggles with addiction and mental health issues highlights the challenges many young artists face in the music industry, and her willingness to seek treatment and prioritize her wellbeing could inspire others to do the same.