Jelly Roll recalls being ‘court-ordered’ to attend his inaugural AA meeting at just 14 years old. During a recent interview on Sirius XM’s “The Highway,” the 39-year-old musician, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, reflected on his teenage introduction to Alcoholics Anonymous. He stated, “Oh goodness. I don’t fully remember my first real meeting ’cause I was court-ordered at like 14. I don’t remember it as much as I should.”
Despite the hazy memory of his first experience, Jelly Roll emphasized how impactful the program was on his life. He noted, “But, I definitely remember the first time that I found solace in those rooms, or the first time that I kind of got introduced to the concept of this and how much stuff I’ve taken from them rooms.” The singer expressed that his encounters with AA were profoundly motivating, recalling, “I think everybody should experience one if you’ve never drank in your life.”
Jelly Roll’s journey in recovery also inspired him to pen the song “I Am Not Okay.” He described the AA sessions as akin to good theater, where attendees not only listen but also learn, laugh, and cry. He has candidly opened up about his struggles with substance abuse and his path to sobriety over the years, sharing that he originally turned to marijuana as a way to steer clear of harsher substances like codeine and Xanax.
He elaborated on his perspective regarding cannabis, saying, “I believe marijuana has helped me in so many regards, with my anxiety. I think a world without weed, Jelly Roll’s drinking codeine and popping Xanax and snorting cocaine again, but a world with weed, I’ll be alright.” Jelly Roll’s frankness about his recovery journey continues to resonate with fans, as he maintains that marijuana has been a crucial support in his sobriety.
