The 39-year-old country music artist shares his experiences with Alcoholics Anonymous, how it has helped him overcome addiction, and how it inspires his songwriting.
- August 20, 2024
AceShowbiz - Jelly Roll has candidly discussed his journey with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, revealing that they play a vital role in his ongoing recovery from addiction. In a recent interview with The New York Times, the country star explained how an unreleased song, "Winning Streak", was inspired by his experiences and insights gained from AA meetings.
Jelly Roll attends AA meetings "for my demons" and finds comfort in the message and meaning shared there. He emphasizes that while he is not a "textbook sober guy," he still attends the meetings to maintain his relationship with those substances. He explains, "I still will have a cocktail every now and then and I’m a known weed smoker, but I got away from the drugs that I knew were gonna kill me."
Despite his past struggles with addiction, Jelly Roll is committed to staying away from harmful drugs and prioritizing his health. He credits his wife, Bunnie XO, with being a great support system.
Jelly Roll respects the AA program and its participants, and he chooses not to publicly share that he attends meetings because he does not want to overshadow their work. He believes that marijuana has helped him stay away from harder drugs, but he acknowledges that it is a sensitive topic.
Jelly Roll is an advocate for helping others stay away from deadly drugs. He has spoken in front of the U.S. Senate to support legislation aimed at combating the opioid crisis. He acknowledges his past role in contributing to the problem but is now committed to being part of the solution.
Jelly Roll continues to find inspiration for his music in his personal experiences. "Winning Streak" tells the story of a person going through a difficult time, which resonated deeply with him at an AA meeting. He believes that first-person songs like "Carolina in My Mind" have the power to evoke strong emotions and connect with listeners on a personal level.
Jelly Roll's commitment to recovery and his dedication to helping others overcome addiction is evident in his actions and his music. He continues to be an inspiration to many who struggle with similar challenges.