Jerry Cantrell, the creative force behind Alice In Chains, has triumphantly maintained his sobriety for over 21 years. In a recent interview, he candidly discussed his decision to abandon substance use and how this pivotal choice has profoundly influenced his musical journey. This transformation is particularly significant in an industry where substance abuse is often perceived as an integral part of the artistic process, leading many to believe that creativity is tied to drug and alcohol use.

During a captivating episode of the Broken Record podcast, Cantrell shared insights into his experiences of writing music both while under the influence and during his sober years. He stated, “I’ve done it both ways and I’ve written some really good songs both ways, so I think both ways work.” His reflections highlight the duality of his artistic process, emphasizing that creativity can thrive regardless of one’s state of mind.

Having navigated through various phases of his life, Cantrell recognized the importance of adaptability in his creative endeavors. He continued, “If something’s not working for you, you gotta find a new way to do it.” This statement underscores a critical aspect of his journey?recognizing when certain habits hinder rather than help one’s artistic expression.

Over the past two decades of sobriety, Cantrell has successfully released three albums with Alice In Chains and two solo projects, demonstrating his belief that a drug-free lifestyle has not diminished his songwriting prowess. He confidently stated, “I think I’m still writing, to me anyway, as impactful, weird, fucked up music like I made when I was fucked up.” This assertion speaks volumes about his commitment to authenticity in his music, challenging the stereotype that substance use is a prerequisite for artistic brilliance.

Reflecting on his younger years, Cantrell admitted that he found the allure of drugs and alcohol captivating, despite witnessing the devastating consequences they had on those around him. He reminisced on the thrill of “getting outside your head,” and the unique experiences that came from different states of consciousness. “It’s fun getting outside your head, it’s [cool] and trippy,” he elaborated, acknowledging that while he enjoyed those moments, he does not regret his decision to move away from that lifestyle.

Although he didn’t delve deeply into the specifics of his sobriety journey, Cantrell emphasized that the choice came when he realized it “stopped working for” him. During this period, he was fortunate to connect with fellow musicians who had also chosen a sober path, reinforcing the idea that recovery can foster supportive communities.

He mentioned prominent musicians like Billy Morrison, Dave Navarro, Matt Sorum, and Billy Duffy, who have also transitioned from a party lifestyle to a more sustainable one. “All those guys still rock as far as I’ve last checked, and I think I’m doing okay too, as far as the music element,” he remarked, highlighting the ongoing success of himself and his peers in the music industry.

While he previously described the excitement of substance use, Cantrell acknowledged that engaging in such behaviors today would not be viable for him. “I gotta do this version of me, which I like very much. I like life, I like the consistency of life now.” This statement reflects his acceptance of a new reality, where the highs may not be as extreme, but the lows are significantly reduced, contributing to a healthier lifestyle overall.

To dive deeper into Jerry Cantrell’s journey, listen to the full episode below. Additionally, Cantrell’s solo tour in support of I Want Blood begins this Friday in Ontario, Canada. For a full list of tour dates, visit his official website.

Jerry Cantrell’s Inspiring Journey: Embracing Sobriety and Its Influence on His Music