Zach Bryan Details Alcohol Dependency and Sobriety Journey

Country music artist Zach Bryan has opened up about his past struggles with alcohol dependency, revealing that he consumed as many as 15 beers daily for an extended period. This heavy drinking, he shared in a conversation with Matthew McConaughey, was integrated into his routine and fueled nearly every hit song of his career before leading to severe panic attacks.

Bryan detailed how the panic attacks were so intense that he feared he was experiencing a stroke and believed he was going to die. He described curling up for days at a time and initially dismissing his symptoms to a doctor as merely a hangover. His doctor, however, diagnosed him with a severe panic disorder and suggested that abstaining from alcohol might help.

Before quitting, Bryan utilized alcohol to manage stage fright. His pre-show routine included working out, showering, playing guitar, listening to music, and drinking several beers. He believed this ritual eliminated his stage fright, and he would often drink more after performances, repeating the cycle the next day. He considered drinking a necessary part of his routine, even when managers questioned his reliance on alcohol.

Bryan acknowledged that performing sober was initially more intimidating but has become more rewarding. He described the experience now as feeling like flying, stating it is more enjoyable and the best feeling in the world. He realized that his denial about his drinking problem was a significant factor in his panic attacks and that he was the underlying issue.

He also expressed a belief that alcohol was essential to his songwriting process, stating that every hit he had was created while he was intoxicated. This conviction created a fear that he would not be able to create good music without being under the influence. However, he noted that his latest EP, "Young Manhood and Other Donatable Organs," was the first project he completed entirely sober, writing and singing every word without alcohol.

A solo 30-day motorcycle trip across the country marked a turning point. Bryan recounted stopping at various bars and drinking himself to sleep. While at a truck stop outside Seattle, he purchased a large bottle of beer and sat on the curb, reflecting on the emptiness of his journey. This moment led him to question the purpose of his drinking and the value of his experiences, ultimately recognizing his issue.

Previously, in November 2025, Bryan had announced two months of sobriety, attributing his alcohol use to coping with a persistent feeling of discontent and an internal void. He stated that sobriety has since made him feel more creative, energized, and content, no longer needing external substances to get by.