It’s fairly common knowledge that former Backstreet Boy, Nick Carter, was a bit of a hard-partying guy, but we didn’t know the extent of it until his latest interview with the good folks at People Magazine.
Carter got some sobering news from a cardiologist last year, when he sought medical help from chest pains. It turns out that he gave himself cardiomyopathy, which is a weakening of the heart muscle that is caused by a build-up of toxins. In other words, Carter abused alcohol and drugs to such an excess that his heart stopped working properly. Doctors warned the singer that if he didn’t clean up his act, he’d end up dead. Sobering words! In fact, Carter suffered from the same condition that led to the death of singer Andy Gibb and actor Chris Penn.
The 29-year old has several DUI’s and bar brawls under his belt, in addition to a quickly expanding waistline. Due to nearly 10 years of binge drinking and substance abuse, Carter’s weight had ballooned to about 224 lbs. It was very evident that he had a problem.
When faced with the realization that he could be killing himself with his partying ways, Carter told People, "I don't want to die. I don't want to be that person people read about and think, 'that’s sad that he couldn't stop it and killed himself.’”He was even off partying the night before his results were due back, saying that “I went out and just went nuts. I drank so much and I did a bunch of blow. I felt like I was trying to kill myself – because I didn't want to get the results.”
8 months and one stern talk from his doctor later, it would seem that Carter’s life has taken a 360 degree turn. Currently weighing in at 167 lbs, he is now in the best shape of his life and is looking pretty darn good. Remember when he made People’s “Most Beautiful” list back in 2000? He looks even better now.
Thanks to cutting the extra pounds, fatty foods, binge drinking, and drugs out of his daily lifestyle, Carter is now sober, though he admits that it is sometimes difficult to stay clean. But it seems like he’s got a great support system in his cardiologist, who is keeping him on the straight and narrow path to sobriety.
Carter says that his life is now “awesome”. Good for you, Nick!
