Viewers 'in tears' after watching Demi Lovato’s gut-wrenching documentary on child stars

This article contains discussion of alcoholism and drug addiction which some readers may find distressing.

Demi Lovato's new documentary on Hulu about growing up as a child star has left viewers 'in tears'.

Titled Child Star, the almost two-hour long documentary film is directed by Nicola Marsh and Lovato in her directorial debut.

The film grapples with the highs and lows of growing up as a child star on broadcast networks like the Disney Channel and Nickelodeon, and sees Lovato sitting down with former child stars including Drew Barrymore, Kenan Thompson, Christina Ricci, Raven-Symoné, Alyson Stoner, and JoJo Siwa to discuss their experiences.

Lovato interviews a slew of former child stars in the documentary. (Hulu/Disney)

The documentary has a slew of revelations particularly in regards to substance abuse and bullying that some of its subjects experienced.

Lovato, Ricci, and Barrymore in particular sat down to discuss how they turned to substances and alcohol at an early age.

Barrymore, who opened up on her drug and alcohol abuse in her 1990 memoir Little Girl Lost, had her first drink at only nine years old and began using cocaine at 12.

"I used to get high with my mom's friend at like 10," the 50 First Dates actress shared in the documentary. "I thought she was so cool, and she would give weed to me and her son."

"Having a 10-year-old daughter now, it's unfathomable. But that's just how I grew up."

Drew Barrymore gets candid on her drug abuse as a child. (Hulu/Disney)

Ricci recounted a similar experience and candidly spoke on turning to drugs and alcohol in her teenage years.

"I immediately went right to drugs and alcohol in my teens," the Wednesday star told Lovato. "I don't remember feeling there was any other way to be happy."

Meanwhile, Lovato opened up on the overwhelming side of being a Disney star, sharing: "I would say, 'If you're going to work me like an adult, I'm going to party like an adult.'

"Finding drugs was easy. That was the only way I knew how to escape."

Christina Ricci opened up on the difficulty of her teenage years. (Hulu/Disney)

Viewers have been left 'in tears' after watching the documentary with one user writing on Twitter: "Wow I'm in tears. Another beautiful documentary by Demi Lovato. Incredibly sad experiences were shared by the cast but the ending had so much hope for the future. I'm glad Demi is shining a light on this and advocating for the next generations of child stars."

Another wrote: "Child Star is incredible. Everything is so well done I'm actually in awe of it. It's so heartbreaking but beautiful. I'm so unbelievably proud of Demi."

"After watching the first minute of Child Star I just know the documentary is going to get important awards, mark my words," another user wrote.

Child Star is currently streaming on Hulu in the US.

If you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can call American Addiction Centers on (313) 209-9137 24/7, or contact them through their website.