Former HINDER vocalist Austin John Winkler recently shared his compelling journey to sobriety in an interview on the “Side Jams With Bryan Reesman” podcast. For fans who remember him as the dynamic frontman of the band that delivered rock anthems like “Get Stoned” and the power ballad “Lips Of An Angel”, Winkler’s откровение offers a raw and honest look at his battles with addiction and his hard-fought path to recovery. His departure from HINDER in 2013, after more than 12 years and four albums, marked a turning point as his struggles with addiction began to overshadow his musical career. HINDER achieved phenomenal success with their triple-platinum debut album “Extreme Behavior” and gold-certified follow-up “Take It To The Limit”, cementing their place in early 2000s rock. Recently, Austin John Winkler revisited his past by re-recording “Lips Of An Angel” as a duet with country artist Shaylen, showcasing his enduring musical talent and hinting at a new chapter in his life.
During his “Side Jams” interview, Austin John Winkler delved into the roots of his addiction, explaining a lifelong inclination towards escapism that began in childhood and persisted for two decades. The relentless cycle of drinking and partying, both during and after his tenure with HINDER, culminated in a severe health crisis. For nine grueling months, Austin John Winkler underwent dialysis treatment, spending four to five hours, four days a week connected to the machine. Remarkably, he avoided the need for a liver transplant, a testament to his resilience and perhaps a stroke of luck.
“It was a long time coming, just years of partying, drinking, and taking opiates – anything that damages your liver,” Austin John Winkler confessed to “Side Jams”. His fondness for opiates and alcohol led him to a critical point around 2019. His condition deteriorated so drastically that a mere two shots of vodka would trigger hallucinations and jaundice. Austin John Winkler admitted to a disturbing lack of self-awareness at the time, recalling how a doctor pointed out his yellowed complexion, something he hadn’t even noticed himself. “It was ugly towards the end,” he stated. Even a minimal amount of alcohol was enough to send him spiraling into paranoia and hallucinations. He described waking up and drinking just enough to function, plagued by vivid hallucinations of sinister figures from “House Of 1000 Corpses” lurking in his room. This delusion was so intense that even after hospitalization and initial sobriety, Austin John Winkler recounted these fabricated events as reality to friends and family, a clear indication of the depth of his addiction’s grip on his mind.
Following his dialysis treatment, Austin John Winkler experienced a brief respite. He recounted traveling to Nashville to record his 2021 single “SuperJaded” while still undergoing medical treatment, highlighting his determination to continue creating music despite his health challenges. Austin John Winkler acknowledged that his journey to sobriety was far from straightforward. “I took the scenic route,” he remarked, reflecting on “probably seven rehabs and eight sober living facilities.” His path was marked by repeated attempts and setbacks, but his persistent desire for sobriety ultimately prevailed. A pivotal moment came when he confronted his physical deterioration. Seeing his jaundice-stricken reflection and a doctor’s warning about potential permanent discoloration served as a stark wake-up call. “Seeing myself looking like a ‘Simpsons’ character – and the doctor saying I might never get my color back – that scared me straight,” Austin John Winkler admitted. This grim realization, coupled with a three-month hospital stay, including 24 days in intensive care, became his rock bottom and, paradoxically, a turning point. He described this harrowing experience as “the biggest gift,” offering him a “second chance” at life.
Austin John Winkler also expressed gratitude for MusiCares, the Recording Academy’s philanthropic arm that supports musicians’ health and welfare. He credited MusiCares with providing crucial assistance during his early sobriety efforts. “It’s an amazing program,” Austin John Winkler affirmed, explaining how MusiCares facilitated three months of treatment, placing him in appropriate facilities. He urged anyone aware of musicians struggling with addiction to reach out to MusiCares, emphasizing their commitment to providing help. Austin John Winkler‘s story is not just a personal откровение but also a testament to the possibility of recovery and the vital support systems available to those in the music community battling addiction.
