Backstreet Boys member AJ McLean is celebrating an important milestone in his life.
Over the years, the 45-year-old music icon has been very open about his struggles with alcohol, revealing that he had gone to rehab multiple times before giving up drinking for good
On September 26, McLean took to Instagram to share an incredible achievement with his 1.3 million followers, stating that after a long journey, he is now two years sober.
"Today is a very special day for me," he said in the video. "And it’s been one hell of a journey. A lot of bumps in the road, a lot of highs, a lot of lows. But today is two years sober for me." Check out the touching video below:
McLean hosts 12-step Alcoholics Anonymous meetings at his home to help others, and expressed gratitude to his sponsors and supporters for encouraging him throughout the journey.
"I’m very grateful for everyone in my camp," he remarked. "I am extremely grateful to my sponsor and my therapist and to all the support that I’ve gotten throughout the years."
The iconic boyband member concluded his message on a poignant note, adding: "And if this helps another addict out there, then I did my job. You can do it if I can do it. God bless you all. And cheers to another day sober."
Many users flocked to the comment section to congratulate McLean on his momentous accomplishment. One user wrote that they are "4 weeks sober" and were "inspired" by him to start their own journey.
Another echoed the same sentiment, writing: "Congratulations AJ!!!! I’m so proud of you. I celebrated my 2 years 9/4 and you were such an inspiration to be. It’s [so] amazing to watch you evolve into the version of your best self. Nobody said it was easy but it sure is worth it! Love you!"
A third shared a heartwarming message, writing: "It’s not easy and you know that already but on the positive note 24 months are a great achievement. Cheers with some sparkling water to next months to come .. for what it counts we are all proud of you @aj_mclean and we are with you during each step of the road."
In a recent interview with PEOPLE magazine, the 'I Want It That Way' singer candidly spoke about what it’s been like making it to the two-year mark.
While he confessed that his sobriety "is the most solid it’s ever been," he said that he has dealt with continuing self-esteem issues for a while.
"I’m trying to keep my feet firmly planted in the program," he revealed. "I’ve battled self-esteem issues my entire life, and I’ve learned a lot."
McLean shared that he is in "the best shape of my life, both mentally, physically, spiritually," and credited his wife, Rochelle DeAnna McLean, whom he married in 2011, and his children: Elliott and Lyric.
"I’m actually really happy and I love it, and I don’t want to lose it. I want to continue to keep growing, growing with my wife and my kids and myself," he said.
Congratulations on reaching two years of sobriety, McLean!
