By james art 
Country music artist Brantley Gilbert has become a prominent voice about substance abuse in the music industry, maintaining sobriety from alcohol for more than a decade while openly discussing his journey. A few months ago, the musician spoke about his perspective on marijuana consumption, joining fellow artists like Jelly Roll in publicly discussing the topic.
During a conversation in June with A taste of country nights with Evan Paul to orderGilbert addressed his stance on cannabis use. “I’ve released songs about it, I’m really open about it in conversations because when I threw some things out of my life 13 years ago, you know I waited a year just to let it all go and then I kind of chose it archives,” Gilbert explained.
Videos from PopCulture.com
The artist described how he was committed to being transparent about his life choices. “I never wanted people to get the wrong idea. I didn’t mean to say that I was sober as a rock. I didn’t want to post the wrong message. I didn’t want people to think I was dishonest,” he said.
In 2022, Gilbert publicly identified himself as “California sober” during an interview with Audacy’s Rob Stone and Holly Hutton, equating himself to cannabis-friendly artists such as Willie Nelson. This revelation accompanies discussions of his song “Heaven By Then,” featuring Blake Shelton, where Gilbert reflects on his past behavior during his “drinking days.”
Discussing his current relationship with marijuana, Gilbert acknowledged its role in his life while expressing caution about its widespread use. “I’m not ashamed of it, I’m going to keep talking about it. I have to tell you, it’s not for everyone. You know, a lot of addicts are better off not touching anything, I’m probably one of them, you know, but it’s the only thing I’ve ever had in my life that I can do conservatively and when I feel like it.” he shared with The taste of the country.
Gilbert’s road to sobriety involved significant challenges. Speaking of Today’s Country Radio with Kelleigh Bannen in 2022, he described his initial struggles with alcohol recovery. “I’m a guy who says if I say I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it or die trying. And with alcohol, I got to a point where I knew it was something I needed to change and cut back on, and I was like, “You know what? It’s got a little more control over me than I like, and I just need to get it out of my life,” he recalled.
A key moment came during a celebration for his hit single “Country Must Be Country Wide.” Gilbert recalled, “Man, I kind of looked around and had this thought. It was like, “Man, we got to celebrate something that the vast majority of people who try to do anything with music will never achieve.” And we really don’t. We do the same – we do every night.
During his subsequent rehabilitation, Gilbert encountered artist Keith Urban, whose guidance was crucial. Gilbert confided in Urban about his concerns about performing and writing songs while sober. Urban’s reassurance and shared experience greatly influenced Gilbert’s recovery, leading him to credit Urban with potentially saving his life.
Since then, Gilbert has built a stable personal life, marrying Amber Cochran-Gilbert in 2015. The couple now have two children: Barrett, 5, Brylene, 1, and Abram, born on October 11. The artist notes that cannabis use has become an alternative social activity in his circle, stating, “It’s kind of taken the place of handing out a jug of moonshine, you know, just passing something else around.”
Speaking of The taste of the countryGilbert also commented on the growing openness about cannabis use among artists who are giving up alcohol: “I feel like it’s a trend, I can’t tell you how many people I’ve talked to recently who are quitting drinking and going for it.”