Backstreet Boys star Nick Carter has revealed he is still battling alcoholism issues as he attempts to maintain his sobriety after kicking his former drug habit.

The pop star, who has detailed his past drug abuse in his new memoirs Facing the Music and Living to Talk About It, insists he is "completely drug-free", but he still likes the occasional drink - something he knows he should stay away from.

He tells The Hollywood Reporter, "I have had occasional drinks at times, and it's something that I struggle with because I'm not perfect. But, at the same time, I enjoy being clean and sober more. Alcoholism is definitely a struggle for me. I'm taking it one day at a time, working on myself, and I'm winning the battle."

However, Carter admits he finds it difficult to be around other drinkers in clubs and at parties: "I think it's all about learning from those experiences and continuing therapy, continuing to work on the reasons why someone turns to alcohol. That's why I wrote this book - this is just the beginning, the first chapter, really.

"I'm 33 years old, I'm still living life... but it's still a work in progress. I haven't figured it out - I have issues, I definitely have problems, but I start with acknowledging that I do have a problem and face it head on."