Cro-Mags frontman Harley Flanagan opens up on effects of his addiction and childhood trauma

Harley Flanagan, founding member and sole trademark owner of New York hardcore band Cro-Mags, has recently spoken out about his struggles with addiction and childhood trauma. In a statement shared on social media, Flanagan revealed that he turned to drugs and alcohol to cope with his pain but only realized the root cause of his struggles recently.

The Cro-Mags frontman also expressed gratitude for the support and encouragement he has received throughout his journey. He noted that his music has been a source of solace and healing, and he hopes to continue using it as a tool for growth and self-improvement.

Flanagan's statement read:

"I spent the better part of my life, trying to deal with childhood trauma and PTSD, and I didn't even realize it until not that long ago. 

Years and years of drowning, myself in alcohol and drugs, years of lashing out at the world, and beating myself up, without even realizing it or realizing the cause.

A lot of violence and a lot of things that I wish had never happened
I talked about a lot of these things on stage during the recent tour 

Because I wanted people who have been through similar types of trauma wether physical abuse, mental abuse, or sexual abuse to know that they are not alone. 

I made a lot of mistakes, and I did a lot of things that I regret in my life a lot of it as a direct result of the things that happened to me in my life. I'm not making excuses for my actions. I am simply starting to understand them and why.

Most of my lyrics are about survival and about overcoming a lot of my lyrics on the first album we're about violence, poverty, and suffering
… This is why.

Since the tour, a lot of people have reached out and thanked me for my words and speaking up about these topics. And I just want to say to all of them. Thank you for reaching out, and just know that you are not alone.

Everyone has a story. Everyone has been through trauma and suffering in life. Some people handle it better than others.

But all we can do is try to be better people every day as we move forward in life. We can't always fix the past. We can't always fix the things that we have broken. But we can't be destroyed by it or controlled by it either.

So to all those reached out, thank you and all those who listened in silence but understood. We will be alright just never give up 

We have all made mistakes. Be accountable for them acknowledge them. Look yourself in the mirror and know that you are not those mistakes and do better as you move forward

We all have room for improvement 
And none of us should ever give up 

I try to learn every day I try to improve every day I try to listen more. I try to be more understanding and I try not to be so reactive when unnecessary

Act when it counts. Don't waste energy on negativity. 

Thank you all for your support and for reaching out 

I am truly grateful"

Following up on that, Flanagan shared some advice for his fans: