Charles Kelley celebrates one year of abstinence, reflecting on his profound self-discovery journey.

“When I knew I had a problem is when I started hiding it from my wife or from the band,” Charles Kelley said.

September is recognized as National Recovery Month, an annual commemoration organized by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The purpose of this observance is to advocate for and endorse the implementation of evidence-based treatment and recovery practices. It also aims to acknowledge and celebrate the resilience of the nation’s recovery community, as well as the unwavering commitment of service providers and communities who contribute to the possibility of recovery in all its manifestations.

If you suspect that you or someone you know requires assistance with alcohol abuse, you have the option to contact the National Helpline of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Alternatively, you may visit the website https://findtreatment.gov for further information and resources.

A few years ago, a confrontation occurred on the tour bus. Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood, members of the musical group Lady A, approached their bandmate Charles Kelley regarding his potential slurred speech and unsteady behavior on stage. They inquired if he had consumed alcohol prior to their performances.

“Well shoot, don’t I exert maximum effort? Am I not consistently hitting the correct musical notes?” Kelley retorted.

However, they informed him, Charles, it goes beyond that. It pertains to your treatment of us as a band, attempting to dictate decisions, disregarding our input, and displaying impatience towards us.

Subsequently, he came to the realization that they were likely correct. Moreover, they were genuinely concerned about his well-being. Consequently, he made the decision to reduce his alcohol consumption, at least for a few months.

Following that, Kelley began surreptitiously consuming alcohol, confessing that he would do so away from the band and crew’s view − and without his wife’s knowledge.

On the golf course, I would typically indulge in a Bloody Mary, followed by a selection of cocktails. Upon returning home, I would partake in a glass of wine during dinner, and perhaps a whiskey later in the evening. Consequently, it would not be uncommon for me to consume a total of eight or more alcoholic beverages in a single day, a routine that I would adhere to nearly every day.

Charles Kelley has provided a detailed account of his journey through rehabilitation, during which he experienced a sense of relief and hope. On days when he had performances, Kelley admits to consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, and would often encourage his bandmates, Dave and Hillary, to join him. However, his turning point came during a family vacation in Greece, when he shut off his phone and spent the entire night drinking, without informing his wife, Cassie, of his whereabouts. This behavior was uncharacteristic of Kelley, who had previously made a habit of keeping in touch with his spouse. He acknowledges that his actions were alarming and caused distress to his loved ones.

Upon his return to the hotel, both he and his wife simultaneously acknowledged the pressing need for assistance that Kelley required. Consequently, he embarked on a journey from Greece to a treatment facility situated in Utah. Overwhelmed by a surge of emotions, he found himself on the verge of being consumed.

“I shed tears at the airport, an act I had refrained from for half a decade,” Kelley recounts. “A peculiar sense of relief washed over me. Hope emerged. Finally, I am granted the opportunity to embark on a new path.”

During the initial stages of his rehabilitation, Kelley found himself shedding tears on multiple occasions, feeling like an outsider in unfamiliar territory. However, hope gradually permeated his being.

Through the process of rehabilitation, participation in 12-step recovery meetings, and therapy, Kelley gradually came to the realization that he often resorted to alcohol as a means of escaping the immense pressure to succeed, both self-imposed and imposed by others.

“There existed a prevailing sense of anxiety that accompanied the status of being a renowned country star,” he articulates, “thus, resorting to alcoholic beverages was an attempt to alleviate one’s nerves. However, instead of providing solace, it paradoxically exacerbated my anxiety. Nevertheless, if one chooses to prioritize their career as an omnipotent force, they must accept the inevitable fluctuations of triumphs and setbacks, ultimately dictating their fate.”

Regrettably, the attainment of success did not equate to inner tranquility.

“When I retrospectively analyze the peaks and valleys of releasing hit singles, embarking on tours, and receiving accolades, I cannot honestly claim to have experienced any greater sense of contentment during the pinnacle of our illustrious career.”

How Lady A aided Charles Kelley in comprehending his addiction: ‘I bear a responsibility
Kelley also came to the realization that he consumed alcohol in an attempt to replicate the exhilaration he experienced while performing on stage.

Upon stepping off the stage, he acknowledged that the surge of dopamine he received was so compelling that he resorted to drinking in order to recapture that sensation. He became dependent on these heightened moments, feeling the need for everything in his life to be grandiose: be it golf, concerts, or simply living life itself.

Presently, Kelley asserts that he consciously avoids extremes.

While he has never experienced the pinnacle of a 10, he no longer has to contend with the lows of 1s, 2s, and 3s. He now resides within a moderate range, oscillating between a 6 and a 9. His primary objective is to seek tranquility and inner peace.

The rushes he experiences presently often occur during meetings with other individuals who are recuperating from substance abuse disorder. He states that these meetings provide him with moments of hope and spirituality. He further adds that he can sometimes become distracted when he is alone, but during these meetings, he is entirely focused on his higher power. Although Kelley acknowledges that there is an excessive emphasis on emotions and recovery, he feels that he has a duty to share his experiences with his peers and others to provide them with hope. He believes that by engaging in recovery work, one can alter the course of their life, although it may be challenging. For further inquiries, please contact Brad Schmitt at brad@tennessean.com or 615-259-8384.