If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or Twitter over the last couple of years, you’ve probably seen the clips. Posty—Austin Richard Post—stumbling on stage. Posty slurring a few words between songs. Posty holding a Solo cup like it’s an extension of his own arm. It’s led to a massive, recurring wave of internet concern, with millions of fans asking the same blunt question: is Post Malone an alcoholic? It's a heavy question. Honestly, it’s one that gets thrown around way too lightly in the era of viral "concern-trolling." When you’re one of the biggest artists on the planet, your every beer is a headline. People see a guy living the "rockstar" lifestyle and immediately jump to the darkest possible conclusion. But if you actually listen to what Austin says—and more importantly, look at how his life has shifted since becoming a father—the picture is a lot more nuanced than just a simple "yes" or "no" label.
The Viral Moments That Fueled The Rumors
The internet is a literal vacuum for context. Back in 2020 and again in 2023, videos of Post Malone performing "I Fall Apart" went nuclear. He was rolling around on the floor, his eyes were darting, and he looked, frankly, messed up. People freaked out. The comment sections were a graveyard of "RIP Posty" and "He needs rehab now."
But here’s the thing about Post: he’s a performer. He’s always been theatrical.
He eventually had to address the madness directly during a show in Memphis, telling the crowd, "I’m not on drugs and I feel the best I’ve ever felt in my life." He explained that the "stumbling" was part of the show’s energy. Does that mean he was stone-cold sober? Probably not. He’s been very open about enjoying his Bud Light. But there is a massive gulf between a musician who drinks while performing and a medical diagnosis of alcoholism.
Austin’s Honest Relationship With Alcohol
Post Malone doesn't hide his drinking. That’s probably why people feel so comfortable speculating about it. He’s the face of Maison No. 9 rosé. He has a legendary partnership with Bud Light. In an interview with Howard Stern, which is probably the most honest he's ever been on the topic, he admitted that alcohol had been a significant struggle for him in the past.
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He described a period where he felt "trapped" by his own success and used booze to cope with the loneliness of the road. "It was to a point where I couldn’t get up off the floor for weeks," he told Stern. That is a heavy admission. It shows a level of self-awareness that most people struggling with a "functioning" addiction don't usually have.
He credited his fiancée—whom he keeps very private—with helping him pull back from the edge. He didn't go to a traditional rehab facility. Instead, he leaned on his support system. He still drinks, which for some people in the recovery community, disqualifies the idea of "getting sober." But for Austin, it seems to be about moderation rather than total abstinence. He’s moved away from the hard stuff and mostly sticks to beer and his wine.
The "New" Posty: Fatherhood And Weight Loss
The most recent wave of "is Post Malone an alcoholic" rumors actually came from a weird place: his weight loss. When he showed up on tour looking significantly thinner, the internet's first instinct was to assume he was sick or "strung out."
The truth was actually the opposite.
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Posty hopped on Instagram to clarify that "dad life" kicked in. He wanted to be around for his daughter. He stopped drinking soda. He started eating better. And yes, he cut back on the heavy partying. When you see him on stage now, the energy is different. It’s less "chaos" and more "precision." He’s still got the cup in his hand, but he’s not falling over.
Understanding the Difference Between Use and Disorder
To really answer the question of whether someone is an alcoholic, you have to look at the clinical definition of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). According to the Mayo Clinic, AUD is a pattern of alcohol use that involves problems controlling your drinking, being preoccupied with alcohol, or continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems.
Is it causing problems for Post?
- Career: He’s more productive than ever.
- Health: He’s physically fitter than he was five years ago.
- Personal Life: He seems settled, happy, and focused on his family.
People love a tragedy. They love to watch a "downward spiral." But with Post Malone, we might just be watching a guy who grew up. He went from a 20-year-old kid thrust into global superstardom to a 30-year-old father who realized he couldn't keep up the "Beerbongs & Bentleys" lifestyle forever if he wanted to see his kid grow up.
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What We Can Actually Learn From This
Labeling a stranger as an alcoholic is a slippery slope. It’s often used as a way to stigmatize someone rather than help them. If we look at the facts—Post’s own words, his physical transformation, and his consistent professional output—the "alcoholic" label feels like an oversimplification of a guy who struggled with the pressures of fame and chose to make a change.
He’s admitted to having a "problematic" relationship with alcohol in the past. That’s his truth. But today, he seems to be in a place of balance.
Next Steps for Understanding Alcohol and Celebrities:
If you or someone you know is actually struggling with the issues people project onto celebrities like Post Malone, don't look to Twitter for a diagnosis. Look at the behavior.
- Evaluate the "Why": Like Posty told Howard Stern, drinking is often a mask for loneliness or anxiety. Addressing the root cause is usually more effective than just attacking the habit.
- Look for Functional Changes: A drop in performance at work or a sudden withdrawal from family are the real red flags, not just "looking tired" in a video.
- Seek Professional Insight: If the "habit" feels like a "requirement," check out resources like SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) for actual medical guidance.
The story of Post Malone isn't a cautionary tale yet. It’s actually looking more like a story about maturity. He’s still the guy who loves a cold beer, but he’s no longer the guy who lets the beer run his life.