Mötley Crüe’s Nikki Sixx explained the risk he took when he released his book about his addiction struggles, posting on X. The bassist answered questions from fans about The Heroin Diaries and other topics.
A fan asked whether Sixx was scared about releasing the book, given the vulnerable moments he would be sharing with the public.
Question: “Were you scared about releasing The Heroin Diaries? I’d imagine you were since these were very vulnerable moments you were gonna give out.”
“It was either gonna be career suicide or help at least one addict,” Sixx said. “I believe it’s connected a lot of people struggling towards giving sobriety a try.”
“That’s what I hear all the time. Makes me really happy. Nobody deserves to lead an alcoholic or addict life.”
Another fan then asked for advice about bass playing and starting a band.
Question: “Do you have any tips on bass and / or starting a band?”
“Take lessons. Learn the music business and law,” Sixx responded. “Never trust a lawyer or label until you do your due diligence. And always get second opinions from someone smarter than you. Not your friends or family. You will be swimming with sharks.”
Sixx shared these thoughts in an exchange with fans on social media about his book and his career in music. The comments show how the bassist views both his past struggles and the lessons he has learned.
The Heroin Diaries was published on September 18, 2007. The book documents the year from Christmas 1986 to Christmas 1987, when Sixx spiraled into addiction and depression while keeping detailed notes in a notebook. On December 23, 1987, Sixx overdosed on heroin and was pronounced dead, but paramedics revived him with two injections of adrenaline to the heart. The release of the memoir marked a significant turning point in how Sixx approached his past and his recovery.
Sixx achieved sobriety in 2001 and has remained sober since then. The act of sharing his journey through addiction in the book motivated him to continue his healing process and became a crucial moment in his recovery. As the bassist and songwriter for one of rock’s most notoriously hard-partying bands, few would have predicted that Sixx would become one of music’s leading recovery advocates.
Since his recovery, Sixx has dedicated himself to helping others struggling with addiction. His willingness to be vulnerable about his darkest days transformed how he connects with his audience. The risk he took in exposing his past has paid off, as he continues to receive messages from people his story has inspired to seek sobriety.
