Tag: sobriety journey

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AJ McLean Celebrates Sobriety Milestone Best Head Space Ever

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.

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Brad Pitts Honest Reflections on Sobriety

Brad Pitt’s journey through sobriety has been both challenging and enlightening, offering a glimpse into his personal struggles and triumphs. The acclaimed actor, known for his roles in films like “Fight Club” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” has candidly shared his experiences with alcohol and recovery, resonating with many fans and individuals facing similar battles.

Pitt’s commitment to sobriety began in earnest in 2016, following a tumultuous period that included a high-profile incident on a private jet with his family, which led to a child abuse investigation. The fallout from that incident was significant, as it coincided with his divorce from Angelina Jolie, whom he married in 2014. Their separation, which continued to unfold in court until it was finalized in December 2024, marked a turning point in Pitt’s life.

In the wake of these events, Pitt found himself seeking help. He attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and began to confront his relationship with alcohol. By 2017, he opened up about the positive changes he experienced after quitting drinking. “Personally, I can’t remember a day since I got out of college when I wasn’t boozing or had a spliff or something,” he revealed in a GQ interview. “I’m really, really happy to be done with all of that. I mean, I stopped everything except boozing when I started my family. But even this last year, you know — things I wasn’t dealing with. I was boozing too much. It’s just become a problem. And I’m really happy it’s been half a year now, which is bittersweet, but I’ve got my feelings in my fingertips again.”

Pitt’s reflections on his sobriety journey highlight the complexities of addiction and recovery. He spoke about the challenges of being around alcohol, particularly in connection with his winery, Miraval. “I enjoy wine very, very much, but I just ran it to the ground,” he stated. “I had to step away for a minute. And truthfully, I could drink a Russian under the table with his own vodka. I was a professional. I was good. Don’t want to live that way anymore.”

In September 2019, Pitt shared with the New York Times that he had reached a point where he felt the need to “remove” his “drinking privileges.” He described his experience in recovery as transformative, surrounded by men who were also confronting their struggles. “You had all these men sitting around being open and honest in a way I have never heard,” he recalled. “It was this safe space where there was little judgment, and therefore little judgment of yourself … It was actually really freeing just to expose the ugly sides of yourself. There’s great value in that.”

Pitt also recognized the unhealthy coping mechanisms he had developed over the years. During a conversation with Interview magazine in December 2019, he referred to his drinking as an “escape” and a “disservice” to himself. “I think we’re living in a time where we’re extremely judgmental and quick to treat people as disposable. We’ve always placed great importance on the mistake. But the next move, what you do after the mistake, is what really defines a person,” he reflected. “We’re all going to make mistakes. But what is that next step? We don’t, as a culture, seem to stick around to see what that person’s next step is. And that’s the part I find so much more invigorating and interesting.”

One of the pivotal influences in Pitt’s sobriety journey has been his friendship with actor Bradley Cooper. At the 2020 National Board of Review Annual Awards Gala, Pitt credited Cooper for his support in getting sober. “I got sober because of this guy,” he said, expressing gratitude for the positive changes that followed. “And every day’s been happier ever since.”

During his time in Alcoholics Anonymous, Pitt also formed a bond with actor Dax Shepard, who provided a sense of camaraderie and understanding. On Shepard’s “Armchair Expert” podcast, Pitt described his experience in AA as a time of vulnerability and growth. “I was trying anything and everyone, anything anyone threw at me. It was a difficult time. I needed rebooting,” he shared. “I needed to wake the f*** up in some areas.”

Through his candid discussions about sobriety, Brad Pitt has not only opened up about his struggles but has also provided inspiration for others facing similar battles. His journey highlights the importance of self-reflection, support systems, and the courage to confront one’s demons. As he continues to navigate life in recovery, Pitt’s story serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of transformation, no matter how daunting the path may seem.

In a world where celebrity lives are often scrutinized, Pitt’s honest reflections on sobriety stand out as a powerful testament to personal growth and the ongoing journey toward self-improvement. For fans and followers, his story is a source of hope and encouragement, illustrating that it is never too late to seek change and embrace a healthier, more fulfilling life.

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