Joel Birch has marked nine years of sobriety and two years without gambling, revealing for the first time his struggles with gambling addiction—a problem he says he ‘developed and struggled with on my own for many years.’
The Amity Affliction frontman took to Instagram to share his milestone, reflecting on his darkest days of alcohol and drug abuse, the personal fallout, and the slow road to recovery. The raw and deeply personal statement comes just weeks after the band publicly split with longtime bassist and co-vocalist Ahren Stringer, a situation Birch previously responded to by framing his own personal growth as a key factor in moving forward.
‘I Didn’t Care If I Woke Up’
In his post, Birch didn’t hold back in describing the depths of his past addictions. He admitted that his alcoholism made him ‘reckless’ and that there were times when withdrawal from alcohol and benzodiazepines nearly killed him. Despite those close calls, he said, it took a ‘monumental personal failure’ to finally confront his demons.
‘I didn’t care about being alive, I was reckless with how much I drank and how many drugs I would take because I didn’t care if I didn’t wake up,’ he wrote. ‘There were three times where alcohol and benzo withdrawal could have killed me, and none of those experiences were enough to stop me.’
The Gambling Struggle No One Knew About
While Birch has been open about his alcoholism and mental health struggles, this is the first time he has publicly spoken about his gambling addiction. He didn’t elaborate on the extent of the problem, but by acknowledging it as something he battled ‘on my own for many years,’ it’s clear it played a significant role in his personal challenges.
It’s no secret that the music industry—and the alternative scene in particular—has a long, complicated history with addiction. Birch’s struggles with alcohol, drugs, and gambling are unfortunately familiar tales for many artists and fans alike, and his ongoing openness about recovery has made him a source of inspiration for those facing similar battles.
Amity Affliction’s Turbulent Year
This milestone comes during a tumultuous period for The Amity Affliction. Just last month, the band confirmed that Ahren Stringer had been removed from the lineup, citing an ‘irreparable breakdown in relationships.’ Stringer later claimed he had been ‘kicked out’ and blocked by his former bandmates, and reports suggest he may be considering legal action over the band’s name and brand.
In response to the controversy, Birch made it clear that he would not discuss private matters publicly. Instead, he framed his personal growth as his primary focus, stating: ‘I know who I am, as do my friends who have watched me grow into a much better person than I was while drinking.’
Looking Ahead
With Birch now celebrating nine years sober and two years free from gambling, Amity Affliction are forging ahead with their US tour, while fans continue to speculate about the future of the band. Whether or not the trademark dispute with Stringer escalates, one thing is clear: Birch is focused on moving forward, both personally and professionally.
‘I appreciate the life all of you have gifted me,’ Birch concluded in his post—a sentiment that, despite the chaos surrounding the band, reaffirms his commitment to his recovery and his music.
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