Movies

Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean Reveals Close Call with Fentanyl Crisis in Shocking Addiction Battle

BBG News

In simpler terms, AJ Mclean from the Backstreet Boys has spoken openly about his struggle with drug abuse and expressed gratitude for having narrowly avoided a serious consequence during the fentanyl epidemic in America.

For over two decades, the man who sang “I Want It That Way” at age 47 battled a crippling addiction. However, he managed to overcome it in 2019.

During an interview on The Lulu Podcast: Turning Points, AJ shared that his condition might have been much more severe during his previous relapse if the current fentanyl crisis were as prevalent as it is today.

He was fortunate that he managed to avoid a major issue since the severity of the fentanyl crisis wasn’t as widespread as it is now, although it was starting and becoming more noticeable, just not as widely recognized as it is today.

Later on, he remembered an evening spent in Florida that had a significant impact on him, leading him to make another effort towards rehabilitation.

Three and a half years ago, I had a significant change in my life. I was performing in Miami with a friend, and afterward, we decided to go out together. That night, I really let loose.

At that particular stage in my existence, I had removed every dealer from my contact list, leaving me without any acquaintances in Miami. Nowadays, I find myself socializing with a variety of strangers.

Events unfolded in a chain of unfortunate incidents. I overindulged in alcohol and subsequently tried drugs. These actions had potentially lethal consequences. Miraculously, I survived, but it was a close call. However, upon returning home the following day, as many addicts do, we often attempt to hide our struggles.

In simpler terms, after experiencing the consequences of his slip-up, AJ understood it was time for him to commit fully to staying sober.

‘I drank a c**p tonne of coffee and tried breath mints and all this stuff,’ he said. 

However, my wife had already figured it out and was merely biding her time for me to come clean, a challenge I faced for quite some time due to my struggle with honesty about the matter. Notably, it functioned effectively until it no longer could.

In the year 2024, the man separated from his spouse, Rochelle DeAnna McLean, following 13 years of matrimony. Together, they are parents to Elliot and Lyric, their two offspring.

AJ went on to say: ‘Upon returning home, my eldest was at dance practice while the youngest remained. Upon approaching her for a hug, she didn’t return it. I inquired about her well-being and she said, “I don’t know, you don’t smell like daddy”.’

And that was the moment. It felt as if the largest lightbulb imaginable had flickered on, leaving me questioning, “What’s the purpose here? Why am I persisting?

Yesterday, I resumed attending a gathering, marking a new chapter in my life. Since then, I’ve remained abstinent, but this journey is unique. This time, I’m following the advice given to me. I’m embarking on the 12-step program. I’m making a commitment to show up, day by day, and face each step with honesty and courage.

Previously, the singer confessed that his Backstreet Boys colleagues had entered his home uninvited to arrange an intervention aimed at addressing his struggles with substance abuse, particularly drugs and alcohol.

In the year 2020, AJ shared on Good Morning America that his close companions responded drastically upon recognizing the severe impact of his addiction, as they decided to publicly share his personal struggle.

The star explained, “Once they started figuring things out, I had to skip rehearsal.” Translated, it means: “They forcibly entered my home, pouring a bucket of icy water on me as I lay unconscious in my bed.

Though he tried to hide his issues, AJ said: ‘Everybody started to catch on. 

I no longer felt like myself,” the celebrity explained, “I had essentially become someone else, living a deception.” This individual, battling addiction for two decades, went on to say this.

AJ admitted that during his rock bottom he was ‘never sober, not for a second’. 

In the year 2023, it came to light that he had tried to assist Aaron Carter in overcoming addiction before his untimely demise. The official cause of death was determined to be an accidental drowning, triggered by the combined effects of gas and drugs.

Five months following the death of a pop star aged 34, a former Backstreet Boy revealed that he sent Nick Carter’s sibling to rehab in 2017.

Aaron contacted me, seeking assistance,” the father of two, now over a year and a half sober, reminisced during a sneak peek at the upcoming film Aaron Carter: The Little Prince of Pop.

Previously competing on Dancing With the Stars, this individual later informed his fans that he had advised Aaron as follows: “Should you board a flight and arrive in Los Angeles, I guarantee your admission into a treatment program.

To his surprise, Aaron ‘showed up’.

Initially, I felt both surprised and joyful, as the artist announced that he had admitted himself to a rehabilitation facility in Malibu. A few days passed, and we spoke again, but since then, he seems to have disappeared from contact.

It’s roughly about two weeks ago when I reached out to my friends at the rehab facility, and they informed me that he had left on his own. This is what the resident of West Palm Beach shared further.

During his conversation with Lulu, this 00s figure emphatically stated that his kids have never witnessed him under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and they never will.

Afterward, he shared about his struggles with self-esteem and mentioned that the only spot where he felt secure was on the stage.

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to share that I’m eagerly anticipating the arrival of Backstreet Boys’ new album, Millennium 2.0, slated for release in July. Following this, I can hardly wait for my 21-day immersion into their residency at Las Vegas’s sphere, titled Into The Millennium, starting from the same month.

AJ pledged to perform the complete version of their timeless Millennium album, hinting there might be a few surprises in store.

If you require discreet assistance and guidance regarding alcohol or substance abuse issues within the United Kingdom, reach out to FRANK at their phone number: 0300 123 6600.

If you’re in the United States, reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) by dialing 1-800-662-HELP (4357). This organization is here to assist you.

Read More

2025-05-09 16:22

Previous post Grey’s Anatomy recap: What you’re looking for
Next post Love Island Star’s Distressing Hospital Dash Leaves Fans Worried for Her Health!