AJ McLean, the Backstreet Boys singer, recently opened up about his struggles with drug addiction during a chat on The Lulu Podcast: Turning Points. He shared how close he came to a dangerous situation but was lucky enough to “dodge a bullet,” especially with the rising fentanyl crisis happening around the same time.
AJ explained that a few years ago, fentanyl wasn’t as widespread or well-known as it is today, which helped him avoid falling into its trap. He recalled a major turning point about three and a half years ago when he was performing solo in Miami. After the show, he went out and partied hard, which led him back to using drugs.
However, realizing what he’d done, AJ tried to fix things when he got home by doing everything he could—drinking tons of coffee, chewing breath mints—to cover up the signs. But his wife already knew what was going on. The singer admitted that his biggest problem had always been being honest with others about his addiction because he wanted to make it work.
Unfortunately, after 13 years of marriage and having two daughters, AJ and his wife split up.
He revealed that it was actually his daughter who inspired him to stop using drugs. AJ said he had hit rock bottom but is grateful that he’s come out stronger and healthier on the other side.
