07.11.2001
Three days after A.J. McLean entered a rehabilitation program, the Backstreet Boy is feeling optimistic and safe, according to his mother.
"He's very, very positive," Denise McLean said Wednesday from Orlando, Florida. "The first thing I heard in his voice was relief. He felt he was safe and getting what he needed."
McLean, who's spoken with her son since he left for an unspecified rehabilitation center on Sunday, said that A.J. has already begun to make progress in battling the depression and anxiety that led him to abuse alcohol.
McLean added that both she and A.J. were grateful to the many fans who've expressed support since the singer's fellow Backstreet Boys made his struggles public on Monday (see "Backstreet Boys Postpone Tour As A.J. McLean Seeks Treatment").
"I just think [that with] this compassion and this outflow of love that people are giving, how can he not get better? It's strength for all of us," she said.
She plans to visit A.J. in rehab this weekend, and hopes to bring him letters from fans, including those sent to this Web site's "You Tell Us" page, she said.
A.J. has already begun talking about how he could use his problems to help "others — kids and adults who are going through the same thing," his mother said.
Meanwhile, the Backstreet Boys' sometime-rivals 'NSYNC expressed support for A.J. on Wednesday through their manager, Johnny Wright, who once managed the Backstreet Boys as well.
"Although I no longer have a professional relationship with A.J., my personal relationship still remains very strong," Wright said in a statement. "I consider A.J. part of my family and I am very proud of A.J. for recognizing he needs help. Not only myself, but all five members of 'NSYNC send our thoughts and prayers."
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