A Journey Through Struggle and Sobriety
Ryan Turner, an Irish country music star, recently opened up about the challenging years he faced a decade ago. In a recent interview, he shared how his life was filled with turmoil, admitting that at one point, he had only $58 in his pocket and was in a very difficult place. His journey through alcohol addiction was not just a personal battle but also one that threatened to take away the things he held dear.
During his struggle with alcohol, Ryan found himself being asked to leave his family home multiple times. Now, after achieving 10 years of sobriety, he is sharing his story with the hope that it can inspire others who may be facing similar challenges. “I’m not ashamed of it because I have come out the other side,” he said, reflecting on his past.
Ryan's openness about his struggles is a testament to his growth and resilience. He is willing to talk about his experiences if it can help someone else. His journey into the world of music began at a young age, and he admitted that he started drinking at 17. The music industry, he explained, often surrounds its members with alcohol, and people would sometimes think they were doing him a favor by buying him drinks. What started as casual drinking eventually spiraled into something more serious.
“I was playing music from a very young age, and that’s one thing about the music industry — you’re around alcohol all the time,” Ryan shared. He noted that even though he tried to maintain professionalism, the lifestyle made it hard to separate work from personal time. For him, the weekdays became like weekends, as he treated Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday as his own time to unwind.
Ryan's work schedule meant that his weekends were his main performance days, so he felt it was normal to go to the pub during the week, considering those days as his Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Even when he was working, he still enjoyed a few pints over the weekend.
As a father to children aged between 15 and 24, Ryan acknowledged that his heavy drinking period had a significant impact on his family. He admitted that his partner, Michelle, had a tough time raising their five children on her own until he quit drinking. “I’m not going to lie about it; Michelle had a huge task because she was raising five kids by herself up to the point that I quit drinking,” he confessed, honoring her strength and dedication.
Ryan described how he was often absent during this time, either working or partying. “If I wasn’t working, I still wasn’t at home… I was gone and I was drinking and I was partying,” he said. Despite the challenges, he expressed gratitude for Michelle's patience and called her a "saint." However, he also revealed that she eventually got fed up and had to ask him to leave more than once.
Ryan's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of support, resilience, and the ability to change. His journey from darkness to sobriety serves as an inspiration to others who may be navigating their own paths toward recovery.