AJ McLean | Stardom with Backstreet Boys, Alcohol & Drug Addiction, Recovery Advocate & Podcast Host

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Күн бұрын

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AJ came from a broken but supportive home. He didn’t know his dad and wasn’t part of his life growing up. He was raised by his grandparents and mother in a 3-bedroom apartment. At the age of 15, AJ got his record deal with the Backstreet Boys. His newfound stardom gave AJ the motivation to move out of his house at the age of 17, after getting in a huge fight with his mom.
AJ didn’t actually start drinking until he was 25. He started with hard alcohol right off the bat and got worse from there. Then during an early morning music video shoot, he tried cocaine for the first time. After that, he was buying large amounts from a friend in Florida. AJ was up to an 8 ball a day. Eventually, AJ overdosed and was revived with an adrenaline needle, just like the scene with Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction. You would think that would be enough for AJ to stop, but it wasn’t.
In 2001, the Backstreet Boys were supposed to throw out the first pitch at a Boston Red Sox game. AJ was partying the night before, woke up hungover, and told his manager that he wasn’t going. This prompted a fight with his band members where he quit the band on the spot. The manager gave him the option of going to rehab, and he accepted.
AJ stopped drinking and using drugs for the first time in 2001. He was able to stay sober for 7 years. Then in 2008, out of the blue, their friend Shania Twain had a concert coming up in Las Vegas. Originally, AJ wanted to do a date night with his wife at the show, but she couldn’t make it and said to go by himself. AJ knew his wife wouldn’t be there with him, so immediately he called his dealer. He thought he would be able to sober up before coming back home, but he just couldn’t stop.
Then again in 2019, Backstreet Boys had their massive DNA World Reunion Tour. When AJ got the call to go to Vegas for the residency, his wife called him and told him “Don’t even bother coming home” because she knew he was partying too much. The breaking point for him was when he got home, his daughter came to sit by him on the couch. Normally she cuddles with him, but this time she said “you don’t smell like my dad” and this crushed AJ. This was the catalyst to get help and begin his sobriety.
The pandemic recently was the silver lining for AJ. None of the temptations from the road were messing with his mental health, so he could really focus on his family and health. AJ has now been sober for 20 months. He’s traveled twice by himself now and hasn’t relapsed. Now he’s part of the “Pretty Messed Up Podcast” along with Cheryl Burke & Rene Elizondo where they talk about their problems, addictions, and how they’re dealing with them. Now with his new podcast, AJ hopes to remove the stigma with mental health by speaking openly about his experiences.
This is AJ McLean in his own words, on Knockin’ Doorz Down.
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Пікірлер: 11

@reneelouiseazzopardi2073 3 жыл бұрын

This has been my saving grace, here as qe come down in lockdown. What a Beautiful man and story, AJ is!!! Honestly. We all have trials and tribulations and I must say, I watched this from beginning to end, so entrenched in his story. What a strong, individual he is... wishing him such joy and happiness. Honestly A.J., what a beautiful soul you, how you talk about your wife and Family, had me in tears. During this lockdown, it has been bitter-sweet for everybody but, as a sufferer of anxiety and B.D.D., you have given me some courage to go and get help and that we all deserve to be loved! As a 36 year-old, who went through similar stuff (less the adventures and alacjol/drugs), being a perfectionist and being scared of failure leads to yo trying to do so many tasks and then, not completing ANYTHING!!! Everything you were saying, went straight to the heart. Stay strong and keep your faith... you're a hero! My friend and I will hopefully, see you and the other guys in Sydney next year, God-willing. Thank YOU so much. NO doubt this has been helping me beyond any words can describe. I also know you hear this ALL the time but, you and the other guys give so much to people, not only fans of your music but fans of the people/men you have become today. God Bless you A.J.. 🙏 and your Family.. praying God gives you so much ncourage to keep striving to become that better man, father and person. Much love from Australia 🇦🇺 ❤ 💙❤🤍💙🤍. P.S. Thank you again 🥰

@MarisolGonzalez-cd2nh 3 жыл бұрын

I loved the interview guys, they let the guest speak to his liking, he spoke many things about his life that make me love him and admire him more, congratulations guys, greetings from Peru 👍👍👏👏😃😃.

@stephkennedy3282 3 жыл бұрын

I love AJ McLean I have been a fan for a very long time

@tonyalomax1773 3 жыл бұрын

Very interesting podcast. It was very good of you to be open about this side of your life. Not everyone can keep it real and be as open. I hope your story will help other people. I also enjoyed the fact this show simply let you talk. I love knowing true life stories. It was good to see the serious and fun side of you. Saving this in my phone. Keep up the good work.