Country music singer Walker Hayes revealed that he had been struggling with alcohol addiction for over 20 years before finally deciding to make a change. He started drinking at a young age and found himself working at a Costco in Nashville to make ends meet while also pursuing his music career. After his wife gave birth to their sixth child, Hayes realized that his lifestyle was taking a toll on his body and decided to make a change. He started his recovery by being sober for one day, then extended it to two days, a week, and eventually a year. Hayes has now been sober for eight years and his new album, “Sober Thoughts,” reflects his journey to recovery.
Hayes admits that staying sober can be a challenge, but he is determined to share his experience with others and act as an accountability partner for his audience. He emphasizes the freedom that comes with sobriety and the importance of finding other loves and passions to focus on instead of alcohol. Hayes has found fulfillment in activities like going to the gym and drinking non-alcoholic beer, which he enjoys for its taste without the negative consequences of alcohol.
Alcohol use disorder affects nearly 30 million Americans, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The disorder can range from mild to severe and is characterized by cravings, loss of control, and anxiety when not drinking. Taylor Swift recently made headlines with lyrics in her song “Fortnight” that mention being a functioning alcoholic, although she has not confirmed if the lyrics are based on her own experiences. The topic of alcohol addiction and recovery is a prevalent issue in the music industry and society as a whole.
Hayes shares that his recovery journey has brought him clarity, energy, and a renewed zest for life. He estimates that he writes about recovery in a song every week as a way to express his gratitude. While he still enjoys the taste of beer, he has found healthier alternatives like non-alcoholic beer to satisfy his cravings. Hayes believes that sobriety is a gift and wants to spread awareness about the benefits it can bring to individuals struggling with addiction.
Throughout his interview with Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager on TODAY, Hayes opened up about his struggle with alcohol addiction and the turning point that led him to seek help. He hopes that by sharing his story and his music, he can inspire others to seek help and find a path to recovery. Hayes’ honesty and vulnerability about his past struggles with alcohol serve as a reminder that addiction can affect anyone, regardless of their background or success. As he continues to share his journey through his music, Hayes hopes to provide hope and support to those who may be struggling with similar challenges.