Jax Taylor opened up about something that he’s been dealing with for the past 20 years during an appearance on the March 4 episode of Bravo’s “Hot Mic” podcast,
“I felt like this was the time to do it. We have season 2 of “The Valley” coming out shortly, and I feel like sometimes because there are so many cast members, that the whole story of each person is not told fully. And I wanted to come out and talk about the struggles that I’ve been going through for a very, very long time. And I kind of wanted everyone to know this is what happened,” Taylor explained. “I am coming out that I’m an addict.
“I have substance issues — primarily with cocaine. It’s hard to say out loud,” Taylor continued. “I’ve been dealing with this on and off since I was 23, and now I’m 45. There was times where I would stop doing it but then there were times where I’d go heavy on it. I think a lot of people who watched Vanderpump Rules over the years could kind of tell that I was on something.”
He described as being “on that train, and I couldn’t get off.”
Taylor also said that people have asked him if he has issues with alcohol.
“People ask you, ‘Do you have an alcohol problem too?’. “I don’t necessarily think I have an alcohol problem but the two go hand in hand,” Taylor added. “I can’t do cocaine without drinking. So I just gave up both. I’m proud to say I’m 83 days sober right now, which is the longest I’ve ever gone in my life without either.”
He specified that this is the longest he’s gone since he was 21 years old and he feels “really, really good.”
Taylor’s motivation for telling his story now is to help others who are also going through it.
“Again, I just want to let people know that this is a really, really tough disease and it’s a really tough sickness,” he said. “This year was probably the hardest year of my life. I would say my father’s death was the hardest year until this year. I’m going through a divorce right now which is extremely difficult. And when Brittany and I separated, that’s when the addiction got worse… I literally lost control. I think at a point, I hit rock bottom and I had to go to rehab.”
Brittany Cartwright is ‘Glad’ Jax Taylor Admitted Addiction Struggles
Following Jax Taylor’s admission on the “Hot Mic” podcast, his estranged wife Brittany Cartwright released a statement to PEOPLE.
“I’m glad that he finally admitted to what was really going on,” she said.
“For the first time, I can speak openly about the extent of trauma he’s instilled on our family over the years,” Cartwright continued. “I’ve tried desperately to help him without success. I pray that one day he completely knocks this addiction, but I’m skeptical. His behaviors are still alarming, and his treatment plan seems to be the bare minimum.”
“I’m trying to navigate this as best as I can for my son and I, but every day is still a challenge and very difficult. Jax has caused an enormous amount of damage and I have very little trust in him at this point. My only hope is that one day, he will be a better person for his son,” she concluded.
‘The Valley’ Season 2 is Coming Soon
In February, Bravo released the trailer for “The Valley” Season 2. A large part of the storyline for the season is expected to focus on Taylor and Cartwright’s separation along with their efforts to co-parent their son Cruz.
In the trailer, Cartwright says, “Jax and I are still co-parenting, and then all hell broke loose.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
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‘The Valley’ Star Jax Taylor Announces Sobriety Milestone to Followers