A.J. McLean, the beloved Backstreet Boys singer, is sharing an uplifting update on his sobriety journey, revealing that he is currently in the “best head space” of his life. In a candid interview with People, published on July 10, 2025, McLean opened up about his struggles with addiction and his determination to maintain his sobriety.
At 47 years old, McLean has faced the challenges of drug and alcohol addiction since he was 22. Throughout the years, he has attempted to achieve sobriety multiple times, experiencing relapses along the way. However, this time feels different for him. “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,” he shared.
One of the pivotal moments in McLean’s journey was a trip to Arizona, which he described as extremely beneficial for both his mental health and sobriety. “I’m a huge advocate for the mental health community, and I wanted to dig a little deeper into my own existence and really get to the root of why I did the things I did to hurt myself and the ones I loved,” he explained.
McLean emphasized the importance of establishing boundaries and separating his identity from his role as a member of the iconic boy band. “I’ve discovered new verbiage, such as boundaries, which I never really had before. Now I have those, which is a blessing. AJ is a member of a group. He is a persona, but he doesn’t define me as an individual. Alexander James is who I am,” he stated.
Despite the progress he has made, McLean has faced difficult times, including the tragic death of his Building the Band co-star, Liam Payne, in 2024. The news hit him hard, and he immediately reached out to his sponsor for support. “I was literally on a Zoom call with my team when my manager told me what had happened. I just had to step away,” he recalled. McLean leaned on his support network, including fellow co-stars Kelly Rowland and Nicole Scherzinger, during this tough time.
Throughout his long battle with addiction, McLean has checked in and out of rehab several times and has openly admitted to overdosing twice. Reflecting on his journey, he revealed that a turning point came after a particularly eye-opening moment during a Las Vegas trip. His youngest daughter, Lyric, told him, “You don’t smell like my daddy.” This moment struck McLean hard, prompting him to reevaluate his life choices and strive for change.
Today, McLean shares two children, Elliot, 12, and Lyric, 8, with his ex-wife, Rochelle McLean. His commitment to sobriety is not just for himself but also for the sake of his children. “I want to be the best version of myself for them,” he expressed.
For anyone struggling with addiction, McLean’s story serves as a beacon of hope. He encourages those in need to reach out for help, reminding them that recovery is a journey that takes time and support. If you or someone you know is battling addiction, you can contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for assistance.
As A.J. McLean continues to navigate his path to sobriety, his openness about his struggles and triumphs resonates with many, reaffirming that it’s never too late to seek help and make positive changes in life. With a renewed sense of purpose and a supportive network, McLean is dedicated to maintaining his sobriety and living his best life.