Back in Time Today
Country music has always sung the hard truths—about love, loss, and life on the edge. But for some country stars, the songs weren’t just fiction. These artists didn’t just sing about pain—they lived it. Here are 20 country legends who battled alcoholism and the powerful stories behind their struggles.
1. Hank Williams Sr.
One of country’s founding fathers, Williams struggled with alcoholism for most of his short life. Booze took a toll on his performances and his body.
By the time he was 29, he was dead – his legacy cemented, but his life tragically cut short.
2. Merle Haggard
The “Okie from Muskogee” lived a life of hard drinking and hard time—literally. Before his stardom, Haggard served time in San Quentin.
Alcohol remained a battle even during his fame, but he eventually found clarity later in life and remained sober until his death.
3. Keith Urban
Behind his polished pop-country sound lies a raw history of addiction. Urban checked into rehab in 1998 and again in 2006 – just months after marrying Nicole Kidman.
With her support and his own resolve, he’s remained sober and vocal about helping others through recovery.
4. Tanya Tucker
A child star turned country icon, Tanya Tucker’s rise was meteoric—but so was her descent into substance abuse. In the late ’80s and ’90s, alcohol and cocaine slowed her career.
She later sought treatment and made a powerful comeback, winning a Grammy in 2020.
5. George Jones
“Possum” was known for his incredible voice – and his notorious drinking. His alcohol abuse earned him the nickname “No Show Jones” due to missed performances.
After years of chaos, he got sober in the ’90s and remained that way until his death in 2013.
6. Waylon Jennings
The outlaw icon lived life in the fast lane, fueled by alcohol and drugs. Jennings’ use almost killed him – but a health scare in the ’80s forced him to clean up.
He quit cocaine and alcohol cold turkey and never looked back.
7. Wynonna Judd
Wynonna’s relationship with alcohol was tied closely to emotional trauma and family strain. Though not as public as others, she’s spoken about using alcohol as a crutch.
She found healthier coping mechanisms later in life.
8. Johnny Cash
The Man in Black’s battle with alcohol and pills was nearly as legendary as his music. Cash’s addictions escalated in the 1960s, leading to arrests and near-death experiences.
His 1968 marriage to June Carter helped turn his life around – and so did a powerful faith that anchored him in sobriety.
9. Randy Travis
Fame came fast for Randy Travis, but so did the drinking. Legal troubles and health crises plagued his later years, including a stroke after an alcohol-related incident.
Travis has since remained out of the spotlight, focusing on recovery and rehabilitation.
10. Kacey Jones
A lesser-known but beloved figure in Nashville, Kacey Jones openly spoke about her alcohol abuse and the toll it took on her songwriting and relationships.
Her honesty made her a respected voice in recovery circles.
11. Trace Adkins
The baritone-voiced hitmaker survived multiple battles with alcohol. After checking into rehab in 2001 and relapsing later, Adkins eventually got sober again.
He has spoken candidly about how close he came to losing everything.
12. Billie Joe Shaver
An outlaw legend with a rough edge, Shaver’s life was riddled with personal loss and alcohol abuse. He credits his Christian faith and songwriting as what eventually helped him walk the path to sobriety.
13. Glen Campbell
Famed for his guitar playing and velvet voice, Campbell battled alcohol and cocaine throughout the ’70s and ’80s. His later years, including his farewell tour after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, were a testimony to strength, music, and second chances.
14. Justin Townes Earle
The son of Steve Earle, Justin battled substance abuse for years. While he had periods of sobriety and success, he tragically died in 2020 from an accidental overdose – a haunting reminder of addiction’s hold.
15. Steve Earle
Like father, like son – Steve Earle also fought a long battle with heroin and alcohol. Multiple arrests and near-death experiences punctuated his career.
Now sober, he uses his music and platform to help others avoid the same fate.
16. Lorrie Morgan
While Lorrie’s personal battles weren’t as headline-grabbing, she’s spoken about turning to alcohol during bouts of depression and grief, especially after the loss of her husband Keith Whitley to alcohol poisoning in 1989.
17. Chris Stapleton
Though not a daily drinker, Stapleton has opened up about his complicated relationship with alcohol – especially the culture of drinking in the music world.
He’s cut back drastically in recent years and encourages moderation in the industry.
18. Jason Isbell
Isbell’s lyrics are filled with honesty – and so is his story of addiction. The former Drive-By Truckers guitarist nearly lost his life and career to alcoholism.
After going to rehab in 2012, he’s become one of the most vocal advocates for sobriety in music.
19. John Denver
Though better known for folk-pop crossover hits, Denver had his own struggles with alcohol, particularly in the latter part of his career. Multiple DUIs and a bumpy personal life suggested a man quietly battling his demons.
20. Hank Williams Jr.
Carrying the name of a legend, Hank Jr. struggled with alcohol and drugs early in his career. A near-fatal fall in 1975 was a turning point.
Though he continued to live loud, he began managing his addictions with more control as he aged.