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Backstreet Boys' AJ McLean gives sobriety update

AJ McLean has detailed the progress he has made in his sobriety journey and why, after a relapse in 2021, he believes he has now become sober "for the last time".

As the Backstreet Boys singer continues his sober lifestyle, which he has openly discussed over the years, he shared that he is currently in "the best head space I've ever been in my life".

"I'm sticking this one out all the way," McLean told People magazine.

"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."

The Building the Band host, who shares children Elliot, 12, and Lyric, eight, with ex-wife Rochelle, explained that his present state is the result of a trip to Arizona that he took "for a little departure for myself for mental health".

"I'm a huge advocate for the mental health community," he continued. "I wanted to go 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."

McLean overcame challenges such as a speech impediment to shine as a singer, actor and dancer when he joined the Backstreet Boys at just 14 years old, in 1992.

In 2000, while filming the music video for The Call, McLean was offered cocaine by a so-called friend. Thus began a battle with addiction that would span nearly 20 years.

Photo: Cover Media
Source: Cover Media
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