R&B star Jason Derulo was on a path to destruction before breaking his neck last year (12) because he had gotten used to "hardcore drinking" every single night.

The Other Side hitmaker, 23, reveals his alcohol consumption had spiralled out of control as he travelled the world and it wasn't until he shattered his C-2 vertebrae while rehearsing for his tour that he realised he could no longer keep up his partying lifestyle.

In a candid interview with HuffingtonPost.co.uk, he says, "When I was writing my second album I was drinking every single night, like hardcore. At one point I lost my voice and I couldn't record for a couple of weeks because I was drinking just coffee and alcohol...

"I was partying until crazy times in the evening then getting on the plane at six in the morning, walking in the airport like a zombie because I was drunk and hungover from the last night..."

His accident and almost year-long recovery prompted him to reevaluate his priorities and Derulo, who is dating singer Jordin Sparks, is grateful he managed to wise up before his heavy drinking really became a problem.

He adds, "Before my accident I was on autopilot. I don't really think that was the right road. I was not being smart. Being young and somebody who travels the world, you can easily get caught up and kind of lose yourself in it all. I think my injury really helped to wake me up a little bit."