Motley Crue star Nikki Sixx has marked 25 years since his near-fatal overdose by writing an emotional holiday message to fans.

The bassist spent much of the 1980s battling a raging drug habit, including an addiction to heroin, and he nearly died in 1987 when he suffered a frightening overdose which led him to a stint in rehab.

Sixx, who is now clean, insists his near-death experience completely changed his life and he is grateful to have been able to achieve so much over the last 25 years.

In a post on his Facebook page on Sunday, he writes, “25 years ago today I had two almost-fatal drug overdoses that changed my life forever. I can’t even see myself these days as that kid who was running head strong into the abyss, but I know he taught me how to live when he finally decided to do it for himself. I would of (sic) never seen the birth of my four beautiful children and had such a wonderful life (even with its adversity) if I had not kicked drugs.”

“I can’t say it loud enough, if your (sic) into them or considering doing them: drugs don’t work. The downside is never pretty.”

“I am extremely grateful to be able to look back over these last 25 years and have all the memories that would of (sic) otherwise gone down up flames… Life really is a crazy and fun journey, isn’t it? Have a great holiday season wherever you are. Live in the moment.”