Knockin‘ Doorz Down

Austin D’Amond | Devil Driver Drummer, From Adolescent Substance Abuser to Successful Sober Lifestyle Entrepreneur

Austin D’Amond grew up in a mixed household, with his mom, dad & stepdad all in the same house. Eventually his mother left, and was left to his own devices. By the age of 12, he was already having run ins with the cops, he was drinking heavily and having parties every night already in his early teenage years.

This was about the time he tried taking his music passion and skills to the next level. He started out playing drums at the age of 9, and before he knew it, it was his new focus for his abundance of energy. His dad was very into heavy metal, and would make unique mix tapes that would inspire him to play music. He joined his high school marching band and took it to the next level.

As he got older, he learned how to get away with things, sneak around and do things he wasn’t supposed to. It gave him a rush & would try to top himself each time. He would develop a skill and habit for lying that would continue into his adult life. This was also the time that drug & alcohol usage started to ramp up, and he started doing speed. Before he knew it, it was full blown amphetamine addiction.

At this time, his music career was also taking off, he was going on tour, playing huge stadiums & living the rock star life. He would stay up for 2 or 3 days and still play shows. When he would come home from the road, the thrill and the high was gone, so he would go and hide and escape his responsibilities. He would drink and use drugs even harder to numb his pain. This led to problems in his personal life that he eventually had to confront and deal with.

In July of 2017, his drinking and speed usage was out of control. He got an ultimatum from his girlfriend that she was going to tell his bandmates what was really going on. She called the cops on him for a wellness check after being away for a while. When the cops showed up, it turned out to be his breaking point & decided to get fully sober. He went on a camping trip with his friends that made him realize his issues. He then embraced the program and rules of Alcoholic Anonymous and started to see results.

He realized that he could use his fame, his knowledge and experiences to help others going through what he went through. He wants to help others working at an inpatient centers and rehab facilities. Now to keep occupied during the pandemic, he’s found a new job working for Amazon, driving a delivery truck. He says this keeps him busy as he waits to hit the road again with Devil Driver as soon as possible.

This is Austin D’Amond in his own words on Knockin’ Doorz Down.

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