Tim McGraw Shares ‘Wake Up Call’ That Made Him Get Sober

Tim McGraw is sharing a few more details on his choice to get sober several years ago. The singer reveals that few people realized the extent of his problems, until it was almost too late.

"I drank too much. I partied too much. And did other things too much. Chemically," he tells Men's Health. "No needles or that kind of stuff, but … use your imagination."

The 47-year-old, who admits he rarely got on stage unless he was under the influence of something, credits his wife, Faith Hill, and their three daughters for helping him realize he needed to kick the habit for good.

"When your wife tells you it's gone too far, that's a big wake-up call," he notes. "That, and realizing you're gonna lose everything you have. Not monetarily, not career-wise, but family-wise ... It got to the point where my kids were getting older, and it was way past the point that they noticed it. And I noticed that they noticed. That's enough to straighten you out."

The Louisiana native knew he was on a dangerous path if he didn't get some help.

"Keith Whitley taught me how demons can overtake you if you let 'em," he explains. "And I was headed down that path. You feel like you're supposed to be 'on' all the time. Then you drink and get onstage, and all of a sudden you feel confident and powerful."

Now, happily free of any form of drugs or alcohol, the 47-year-old says he works hard to stay in the best physical shape possible.

"I'll be the first to admit I take it to extremes," he notes. "I'm not one of those people who can sorta half-ass something."

Most of McGraw's workouts are happening on the road. He is currently crossing the road on his Sundown Heaven Town Tour, which heads to Virginia and North Carolina this weekend. See all of his upcoming shows here.