Carter: 'Drink and drugs nearly killed me'

Nick Carter has admitted that his drink and drug problem nearly killed him.

The Backstreet Boy was forced to have his heart checked after experiencing discomfort and fatigue during the band's European tour last year.

He confessed that he "went out and just went nuts" the night before getting the diagnosis.

"I drank so much and I did a bunch of blow. I felt like I was trying to kill myself - because I didn't want to get the results," he told People.

The singer was diagnosed with Cardiomyopathy, a deterioration of the heart's ability to function which can lead to sudden death.

"I don't want to die," he added. "I don't want to be that person people read about and think, 'That's sad that he couldn't stop it and killed himself'."

The Backstreet Boys are rumoured to be working with Max Martin, Chris Brown and OneRepublic singer Ryan Tedder on a new album expected to be released later this year.