How did AJ McLean overcome relapse? Singer opens up about sobriety journey

AJ McLean is staying sober by working out in the gym "six days a week," eating "clean," and having a "healthy balance between family and work."

Backstreet Boys' McLean, in an exclusive interview with People published on July 10, revealed that he's staying sober after relapse. Speaking ahead of Netflix's Building the Brand premiere, where he serves as host on the show, McLean said he is in "the best head space I've ever been in my life."

"Towards the end of the DNA tour, I got sober again for the last time. I'm sticking this one out all the way. It's a daily thing. But I have finally done what has been suggested amongst the sober community and my life has flipped in a positive way."

McLean has been sober since September 26, 2021. In August 2023, McLean said he'll mark two years of sobriety on September 26, 2023. In 2021, he described himself as a "chronic relapser" for drinking alcohol shortly after getting out of rehab.

While talking about what is making him stay sober this time, McLean opened up about advocating for mental health and said,

"I took a little trip down to Scottsdale, Arizona two summers ago for a little departure for myself for mental health. I'm a huge advocate for the mental health community, and I wanted to go dig a little deeper in my own experience and really get to the root of why I did the things I did to hurt myself and the ones I loved."

After taking the time to self-reflect, AJ said that he had learnt new boundaries and had "zero self-esteem" earlier.

More about AJ McLean's past relapses

AJ McLean had struggled with addiction throughout his career. The musician entered rehab in 2001, 2002, and 2011 for depression and excessive alcohol consumption. In a 2018 interview with People, McLean admitted to relapsing in 2017,

"Look, I have no shame in saying, I've relapsed over the past year. It's no secret that this is a disease, and that it's a daily struggle."

In the interview, he revealed that his daughters, Ava Jaymes, Lyric, and his wife were a huge support and inspiration. However, his "biggest problem" with family is putting himself first, and not his family.

In another recent interview with Fox News published on July 11, AJ McLean said that he doesn't have "another relapse" in him and noted that while he is sober today, he can't tell "what's going to happen tomorrow."

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback