a November 18 Instagram post<\/a>.<\/p>\nThe country star explained that years in the military followed by an unexpected rise to fame took a toll on him. \u201cBeing in the military for a decade and then thrown into a spotlight that I hadn\u2019t fully comprehended the scope of, had subconscious effects on me as a person,\u201d he shared. He admitted he struggled to show vulnerability, adding, \u201cI was not content but I also feared showing weakness because that\u2019s not who I am or how I was raised. To charge forward and never settle was the motto.\u201d<\/p>\n
Eventually, the pressure became too much. Zach said he found himself \u201cstuck in a perpetual discontent\u201d and constantly reaching for alcohol \u2014 \u201cnot for the taste,\u201d he clarified, \u201cbut because there was a consistent black hole in me always needing its void filled.\u201d<\/p>\n
His breaking point came amid an overwhelming season of life: getting \u201clied about and doxxed on the internet,\u201d supporting friends through tough situations, and performing five to six nights a week. It all resulted in \u201cearth-shattering panic attacks.\u201d The singer admitted he felt paralyzed by anxiety, assuming that success meant he should be able to push through anything. \u201cI thought since I was successful, had the money I always longed for, and had great friends, that I could tough anything out,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n
Zach shared that the support of his family \u2014 along with his future plans with girlfriend Samantha Leonard<\/strong> \u2014 motivated him to get sober. \u201cConversations about the future, kids one day, my health and Sammy\u2019s happiness made me prioritize not only myself, but my entire family,\u201d he said.<\/p>\nAnd while he feels stronger than ever, Zach isn\u2019t pretending the journey is simple. He admitted sobriety may not be forever, saying, \u201cI don\u2019t believe in absolutes. One day maybe, I\u2019ll learn to control my habits, but for now; I just want to say it is okay to be weak at times and need help.\u201d<\/p>\n
Samantha showed her love right away, commenting, \u201cI love you my sweet boy.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n