Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean on Addiction, Sobriety And The Moment He Nearly Lost Everything

Jan 20, 2026

AJ McLean, a celebrated member of the Backstreet Boys, shares his deeply personal journey through addiction and sobriety. He discusses the duality of his stage persona and his true self, revealing how therapy transformed his life. AJ highlights pivotal moments, like his daughters' pride reigniting his will to recover, and the challenges of managing fame's impact on personal relationships. He touches on rebuilding trust with his wife and the importance of setting boundaries. This candid conversation explores accountability, self-care, and the ongoing pursuit of happiness.

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INSIGHT

Character Versus Self

AJ discovered 'AJ' is a performance character while 'Alex' is his true self and foundation.
Doing deep trauma work revealed authenticity and the need for boundaries in his life.

ADVICE

Treat Roots, Not Symptoms

Do deep, structured therapy to find the root of addiction, not just treat symptoms.
AJ recommends intensive outpatient trauma work to unpack childhood patterns and low self-worth.

ANECDOTE

Rediscovering Family Roots

AJ learned his parents divorced when he was three and his grandmother was his anchor through early life.
He later reconnected with his father and discovered his dad had been a musician, which reframed his origin story.

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