A.J. McLean Admits To Troubles Staying Sober

Backstreet Boys alum and new father A.J. McLean recently admitted that he is still struggling with staying sober, and that he has fallen off the wagon on numerous occasions since exiting his third round of rehab last year.

The singer sought out professional help to assist him in his continuing battle with alcohol and drug abuse in 2011, and it looked as though he was finally committing to a new life with his marriage to make-up artist and girlfriend Rochelle last winter. They welcomed daughter Ava in late November, and though everything seemed to be going well, McLean was still struggling with his substance abuse problems, reports MSN.

He told InTouch Magazine: “A few weeks ago I had a really bad day, I was in a funk. I went out in Hollywood and had a couple of beers and maybe one or two shots. This happened two weeks ago, roughly.”

McLean also admitted that this wasn’t his first lapse: “Before that, I was sober for almost a month. Before then, four months. It’s been sporadic. I will forever be an alcoholic and an addict in recovery as long as I live. It’s an ongoing struggle, a daily thing.”

McLean does say that his wife and daughter give him the hope and resolve he’ll need to kick his bad habits once and for all:

“(I’ve been) trying to be a good husband and a good father and deal with life on life’s terms. There is a lot going on. It’s been overwhelming. I can’t stress how much my daughter is an inspiration to stay sober. When I come home and she opens those big blue eyes at me, it’s the most amazing feeling I could ever feel. I’m not looking for sympathy. It’s a constant struggle, and it’s not as easy as you think.”

If you yourself are a recovering alcoholic or drug addict, what would you say to A.J. McLean? Is it good for his recovery that he’s being transparent about his struggles?