Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong Explains Struggle with Alcohol in New Song “Dilemma”

Alcohol and drug addictions frequently affect celebrities. The pressures of fame and the environment that they are involved with often contribute to the development of an addiction. The frontman of Green Day, Billie Joe Armstrong, has been suffering from an alcohol addiction since he was a teenager. Green Day is one of the best-selling bands of all time, with over 75 million records sold worldwide.

Green Day’s New Album, Saviors

Green Day has recently released a new album, Saviors.

In the new song “Dilemma”, Armstrong references his alcohol addiction and a trip to rehab in the lyrics such as “I was sober, now I’m drunk again/ I’m in trouble and in love again/ I don’t want to be a dead man walking… Welcome to my nightmare/ Where dreams go to disappear/ Sit around in rehab/ Feeling like a lab rat.” Frequently, many Green Day songs are written as metaphors. However, Armstrong explains that with “Dilemma”, there is no metaphor, and the lyrics are straightforward.

Armstrong, who will be 52 in February, no longer drinks, and he associates himself with friends and family who are also remaining sober. He has certainly had his ups and downs while on the journey to sobriety. In 2012, Armstrong went on a rant at the iHeartRadio Music Festival, eventually smashing his guitar before storming off stage. Immediately after, the remaining tour dates were canceled, and Armstrong entered rehab.

It certainly takes a strong and confident person to be able to write about their struggles with addiction – especially in a song that will be heard by millions of listeners and Green Day fans across the world. Armstrong explains that “Dilemma” is one of the most honest songs he’s ever written. To put this in perspective, Green Day now has released 14 studio albums – that's hundreds
of songs!

Billie Joe Armstrong’s Struggle Beyond Alcohol

Armstrong has also suffered with other addictions and mental health issues besides alcohol. His hit song “Basket Case”, released
in 1994, references his struggles with anxiety. On Green Day’s 1995 album “Insomniac”, he references drug use within the lyrics of “Geek Stink Breath”.

Green Day continues to have a successful and influential career. The band formed in 1987 when Armstrong was only 15 years old. Now
at 51, Armstrong has enjoyed the life of being a rock star. However, this lifestyle is not always easy – it has helped to contribute to Armstrong’s drug and alcohol addictions. By associating himself with the right friends and his family, Armstrong was able
to overcome his addictions and continue writing excellent songs.

Victory Recovery Partners – Drug and Alcohol Recovery

If you or someone you know is struggling with an alcohol or drug addiction,
Victory
Recovery Partners is here to help. We are a network of 5 addiction and recovery centers on Long Island, New York. We
offer psychiatric, wellness, behavioral health, and medication-assisted treatment services. Our Farmingville location now offers Methadone as a treatment for opioid addiction. To learn more about Victory, please visit our website
www.victoryrp.com