Jelly Roll reveals he was ordered by court to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings when he was 14

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Country music star Jelly Roll, born Jason Bradley DeFord, has long been candid about his struggles with addiction and his criminal past.

In a recent interview, the 39-year-old artist revealed a surprising detail from his early years, sharing that he was ordered by a court to attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings when he was just 14 years old, as per Daily Mail.

His journey through addiction and recovery has played a pivotal role in shaping both his life and his music, offering inspiration for songs on his latest album, 'Beautifully Broken'.

Jelly Roll opens up about attending Alcoholics Anonymous at just 14-years-old

Jelly Roll, who has faced more than 40 arrests, many linked to drug-related offenses, discussed his introduction to Alcoholics Anonymous during a candid interview on SiriusXM's 'The Highway' with host Ania Hammar.

Reflecting on his turbulent past, Jelly Roll recalled that he was just a teenager when a judge decided to send him to his first 12-step meeting.

"Oh goodness, I don't fully remember my first real meeting 'cause I was court-ordered at like 14," the singer admitted.

Despite not having a vivid memory of that initial meeting, he shared how these rooms would later become a refuge for him.

"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," Jelly Roll explained. "And how much stuff I've taken from them rooms."

For Jelly Roll, Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) became more than just mandatory sessions; they became places where he could draw inspiration and find a sense of community.

He expressed how leaving a meeting always left him feeling "inspired," even if he hadn’t fully grasped the magnitude of what was happening at such a young age.

"I think everybody should experience one if you've never drank in your life," the musician added.

Jelly Roll's experiences with addiction and recovery have also influenced his musical career

Jelly Roll’s experiences with addiction and recovery have not only shaped his personal life but have also influenced his musical career.

His latest album, 'Beautifully Broken', features several songs that draw directly from his journey with drugs, alcohol, and his time in AA and NA meetings.

One of the standout tracks from the album, 'I Am Not Okay', was heavily inspired by his time attending recovery meetings.

The song, which serves as the lead single, delves deep into the emotions and struggles associated with addiction, making it a powerful anthem for anyone who has faced similar battles.

In addition to 'I Am Not Okay,' another song on the album, 'Winning Streak', also takes cues from Jelly Roll's experiences in AA and NA.

The singer-rapper opened up about the difficulty of breaking free from substance abuse in an interview with The New York Times.

"It was really hard for me to get away from those drugs," he confessed.

Even now, Jelly Roll attends meetings, though he no longer actively participates by sharing. Instead, he quietly observes, taking in the messages and lessons that still resonate with him.

"Something I do [for] maintaining my relationship with those drugs is I will still attend the meetings, even though I'm not a textbook sober guy — but I never share, I just quietly sit and appreciate the message and the meaning," he revealed.

For Jelly Roll, these meetings remain an important part of his ongoing recovery process.