Southern Charm's Craig Conover's Shocking Battle with Alcohol Addiction Revealed

Craig Conover is getting brutally honest about his problems with alcohol.

For the first time, a cast member of Southern Charm openly acknowledged battling excessive drinking in a sincere conversation with his long-standing friend Austen Kroll, as depicted in the Bravo series’ episode that aired on March 6.

The heated discussion arose because, during their relationship with Paige DeSorbo, Austen asserted that Craig had drastically improved his behavior to such an extent that it created tension and strained the enjoyable moments they previously shared together.

In a heartfelt conversation, the creator of Sewing Down South expressed to his co-star: “Austen, you’re truly one of my dearest friends,” he said. “I never intended to do things with the aim of self-improvement or distancing from others. I didn’t realize it would affect our friendship in this way. I yearn to return to a place where our bond is filled with love.

However, Austen reiterated that he didn’t recognize the strait-laced person Craig had become.

Honestly speaking, it seems to me that the disconnect stems from your fear of letting someone down because you’ve built such a positive image about yourself,” he explained to Craig. “To uphold this image, you feel the need to avoid situations like being seen with a beer in hand, or similar scenarios.

questioned if he was projecting an “image that isn’t me,” Austen replied, “I do.”

In Austin’s words, it seems as if Craig isn’t keen on socializing or participating due to his desire to maintain a certain public image. Essentially, he wants you to be less strict with him and allow for some flexibility.

That’s when Craig finally told Austen he’d quietly been struggling behind closed doors.

He acknowledged, “I can’t control myself due to my lack of self-restraint,” reflecting the struggles of any addict. “It’s affecting my friendship with Austen, and it’s a difficult reality for me to accept,” he continued, his voice choked with emotion.

35-year-old stated, “I was working hard to improve myself alone at home when you said I wasn’t with you anymore.” He replied, “Friend, I can’t. I need to stay home on my couch as leaving it might lead me to drink too much Jäger and engage in foolish actions.

Austen was taken aback by the surprising revelation. When he spoke to Craig, he said, “You’ve never before called me an addict.

For Craig, he confessed that he had not expressed it openly before, but seeing his co-star Shep Rose get severely intoxicated during their trip to the Bahamas following his rejection by Sienna was when he first vocalized his feelings.

Craig expressed, “That’s why I no longer participate, regarding my past drinking issues,” as he put it. He added, “I consider myself fortunate; I managed to escape that situation. That’s why I feel comfortable sharing my thoughts about Shep, given that he’s still dealing with it.

As a devoted admirer, I must confess that, at one point, I too failed to grasp the depths of Craig’s feelings towards Paige during their tumultuous relationship. Yet, it is clear now, thanks to his own words, that she was an invaluable source of solace and support during his most challenging times on the road to recovery before they parted ways in November.

Speaking from personal experience, the Summer House star has stood by my side all along. The bond between Paige and me is something extraordinary; I can hardly fathom being any closer to anyone else. I feel incredibly fortunate that she picked me. In her presence, I see a beacon of hope. She’s been instrumental in helping me conquer my inner demons. It’s been a challenging journey filled with obstacles, but I suppose I shouldn’t have let it consume me so much – that’s the story of my recent struggle.

After their disagreement, the sincere talk served as a turning point for the friends, and Austen harbored a cautious sense of hope regarding the continuation of their friendship in the future.

Craig’s addiction doesn’t make his behavior acceptable, but it seems like a significant factor in his anger. Hearing him speak so openly and vulnerably was unexpected, and I must acknowledge that he deserves understanding for this level of honesty.

And Craig felt the same way.

He expressed how liberating it felt to be open and honest, saying ‘What a relief it would have been if we’d talked about this earlier.’ It would have spared us from unnecessary pain, sorrow, and aggravation.

Tune in with Craig and Austen as they navigate their lives during the airing of Southern Charm every Thursday at 8 p.m., only on Bravo. Additionally, don’t forget to continue reading for other celebrities who have bravely shared their addiction and recovery stories.

The Valley star shared his decades-long battle with drugs in March 2025 after going to rehab.

During the March 4th episode of Bravo’s Hot Mic podcast, Jax confessed, “I’ve been struggling with addiction, mainly to cocaine. It’s tough to admit it openly.

He’s had periods of struggling with it, off and on, ever since he turned 23. At 45 years old now, he’s shared that he’d manage to step away from it at certain points, but other times, he found himself indulging excessively.

Apart from quitting cocaine, Jax has also decided to stop consuming alcohol. He mentioned that he doesn’t necessarily believe he has an alcohol problem, but both substances tend to go together for him. He explained that he can’t use cocaine without drinking first, so he chose to give up both. Currently, he is 82 to 83 days sober, which is the longest stretch in his life without using either substance.

In 2022, the actor playing Spider-Man in “Spider-Man: No Way Home” decided to quit drinking alcohol after recognizing he felt trapped by it. Reflecting on this change during an interview on the “On Purpose with Jay Shetty” podcast, Holland admitted that he had a genuine addiction to alcohol and was not denying it. He suggested that anyone who drinks daily may have developed a habit that could be problematic.

Then, you’d arrive at a point where you might think, “Wow, I wish I hadn’t had that extra beer,” as the actor went on to say. The following morning, you find yourself with a throbbing headache.

After adopting this new lifestyle, Holland observed that he’s been sleeping more soundly and managing issues with greater ease.

In my own words, I’d say, “Previously, minor mishaps or issues on set used to upset me significantly. However, now, I find myself handling them more calmly and composedly. My mind feels clearer, and I experience a sense of improved health and fitness.

The main character from the “Hunt for Red October” seldom discusses his long-standing sobriety, a journey he embarked on nearly four decades back.

He mentioned that he doesn’t frequently talk about this topic but brings it up occasionally if it seems appropriate. He has been sober for 39 years now, achieving sobriety on February 23, 1985.

Regarding his life transition from New York City to Los Angeles in 1983, Alec described a daily struggle that lasted for two years. He admitted to using copious amounts of cocaine, stating that he likely consumed as much as one could find from here to Saturn. Essentially, he implied that cocaine was as prevalent and commonly used back then as coffee is today.

And after quitting the drug, he soon turned to alcohol—only to also quit that dependency.

Today, he relies on the city around him.

He mentioned that New York has a calming effect on him, describing it as his home. Every time he walks around, he discovers new aspects of the city he’s never noticed before. A simple example would be a building where he might exclaim, “I can’t believe I’ve never seen that about that building – those doors!” He enjoys spending leisurely meals and catching up with friends over coffee.

In an interview with the New York Times in April 2024, the actress from The Princess Diaries revealed that it’s been over five years since she last indulged in any substance. To her, this achievement represents a significant landmark.

Her thoughts were straightforwardly expressed. She admitted, “I instinctively felt it wasn’t suitable for me,” she confided. “It seemed so intense to have to say ‘Nothing at all’, but that was my reality. If you’re sensitive or have a severe reaction to something, you don’t debate it. So I chose to stop debating it.

She’s content with the choice she’s made. In her view, things have improved significantly. For her, it was more about dwelling on problems, and that’s not something she enjoys doing.

During her acceptance speech for the 2018 Woman of the Year Award at the Peggy Albrecht Friendly House, a home assisting women in recovery from addiction to substances and alcohol, Moore discussed the self-damaging course that came close to halting her professional journey.

In simpler terms, the person shared that there are significant instances in our lives that influence who we become and the paths we take. Early on in their career, they found themselves moving towards self-destruction and no matter their achievements, they never felt satisfied. They spoke of having little regard for their own worth, which led them to a critical point. At the time, it wasn’t clear what caused this, but looking back, they believe it may have been some form of divine guidance.

In 2012, Moore acknowledged gratitude towards two individuals whom she barely knew for presenting a challenging proposition that motivated her to transform her life. Essentially, they said something along the lines of, “If you’re still alive, you should change your ways.” She humorously commented, “Unless I was dead, I better show up,” and went on to explain that she received an opportunity to alter the trajectory of her life before it faced ruin.

Moore pointed out that they noticed aspects of him he was unaware of himself. He expressed his gratitude for this insight as it was crucial; without their faith in him, he would not have reached where he stands today.

In 2022, Cyrus openly discussed her recovery from an Xanax addiction which began in 2020. She explained to Rolling Stone that the drug provided her with a sense of structure during a time when she desperately needed it, as she didn’t want to idle and dwell in her thoughts. She added that Xanax also offered her a glimmer of hope.

The vocalist remarked, ‘When I believed there was a moment to mute the noise and dull the hurt, it had ended.’

She explained that her friends at one point tacitly supported her drug habits, creating a deep, endless abyss-like situation. However, during the pandemic, Cyrus admitted that she encountered difficulties and felt emotionally detached. “I was constantly dozing off and falling asleep,” she reminisced. “And I couldn’t keep my head up or maintain open eyes, as I had sunk so deep.

She eventually sought help and noted that “it took some time to get on my own two feet.”

16 years had passed since the former cast member of “Parenthood” had abstained from alcohol, but in 2020, they unfortunately fell off the wagon and began using Vicodin following a motorcycle accident.

Over the past two months or so, he mentioned during his “Armchair Expert” podcast that he’s been using them quite a bit throughout the day. He’s able to do this due to a prescription, but he also takes additional amounts.

He went on to express his dislike, “And I can’t stand it,” he said. “I’ve been deceiving others. I know I need to stop, but my tolerance is escalating so rapidly that I find myself consuming about eight 30mg pills daily, a quantity I’m aware will lead to a severe withdrawal. This realization fills me with fear and loneliness. And I carry this heavy secret within me.

2018 saw the actress who starred in Halloween open up about her decade-long struggle with opiate addiction that started in the late ’80s due to a prescription for plastic surgery aimed at addressing her family’s genetic puffy eyes. She confessed to People magazine, “I had a 10-year streak of stealing and deceiving, yet nobody knew, not a soul.

In the summer of 1998, when Curtis’s sister visited and carried painkillers prescribed for a rib injury, she hit rock bottom. She confessed this to a publication while weeping over the recollection, “I had discovered she kept the opiates in our guest room closet. I essentially took all her painkillers before she left. I knew she would pack her suitcase and notice her missing pills. I felt compelled to confess my actions to her, so I wrote her a letter and left it on her suitcase.” Upon returning home that day, Curtis’s sister embraced her, expressing love and concern, and stating that she wouldn’t watch Curtis take her own life.

On February 3, 1999, I attended my first meeting, marking a significant turning point in my life. Coincidentally, on the same day, I shared a deep secret with my filmmaker husband, Christopher Guest. His reaction was one of disbelief that he hadn’t noticed before. Since then, I’ve been maintaining my sobriety.

In 2021, Barrymore, who has previously dealt with alcohol and drug addiction issues, announced a significant achievement in her recovery journey. On CBS Mornings, she declared, “For the first time in a long while, I’m proud to say that it’s been two and a half years since my last drink of alcohol.” She further added, “I’ve come to understand that it was not beneficial for me in my life.

She remarked, “It’s quite amusing. Unveiling ourselves, our secrets, and the accomplishments we’ve labored over feels both empowering and exposed simultaneously.

Later on, Barrymore clarified to the Los Angeles Times that she avoids using the term “sober” as she doesn’t wish to be perceived as a “perfectly pious Puritan.

In the year 2023, she admitted, “I had been telling myself, ‘I can conquer this, I’ll find a solution,’ but suddenly it dawned on me: ‘I’ve never truly mastered this, and I probably never will.’

During the 2000s, the actor from “A Star Is Born” faced struggles with cocaine addiction. However, his friend Will Arnett intervened, addressing his concerning behavior directly.

In a 2022 interview on the Smartless podcast, Cooper expressed that it was the first moment he acknowledged his struggle with substance abuse, an instance I’ve never forgotten.

Citing Arnett as the catalyst, Cooper commented, “He bravely initiated a tough talk with me, which led me to contemplate and eventually decide to alter the course of my life.

In simpler terms, the actor from Fight Club fought alcohol addiction for quite some time before being assisted by Cooper in achieving sobriety. He expressed his gratitude to the audience at the 2020 National Board of Review Annual Awards when Cooper presented him with an award, saying “I owe my sobriety to this individual,” and added that every day since then has been happier.

In September 2023, I proudly announced on Instagram that it had been the longest stretch since my teenage years when I didn’t have any form of nicotine or marijuana in my system, along with some other substances.

He expressed gratitude for the liberation experienced upon overcoming addiction and no longer relying on substances. For him, sobriety brings a sense of clarity, a deeper connection to his spirit, and simply feels wonderful.

Following a triumphant six-year sobriety milestone marked during her tour in 2018, the singer left fans in awe later that year with the unveiling of the introspective song “Sober”, which disclosed that she had unfortunately experienced a relapse.

In simpler and more conversational terms: “Mama, I truly apologize for losing control again. Daddy, please find it in your heart to forgive me for the mess I made with the spilled drinks on the floor. To those who always stand by me, I’m sorry, but we’ve been here before, and now, I’m not in control anymore. This is what I’m expressing through my song.

A month later, Lovato was hospitalized for a near-fatal overdose.

Two weeks after posting on Instagram, she expressed that her battle with addiction has always been an open book for everyone. She’s come to realize that this ailment doesn’t simply vanish or weaken over time; it’s an ongoing struggle that she hasn’t fully conquered yet. At present, she requires some time to mend and prioritize her sobriety and the path towards recovery. The affection you’ve all shown me will forever remain etched in my memory, and I eagerly anticipate the day when I can declare victory over this challenge. I shall continue to fight.

In 2018, she admitted to struggling with her compulsions towards sex and alcohol. “My addictive tendencies shift, they move around,” she explained, admitting that in her younger years, she likely had some form of a sexual addiction as she believed that every problem could be solved through sex. She also spoke about recognizing her escalating alcohol issue.

She recalled hitting a low point when she was alone in the house, with two bottles of wine already consumed and reaching for a third. She paused, saying, “Whoa, wait a minute. Here you are, all alone in this house, about to finish off your third bottle of wine? This could be a sign of trouble.

She shared, “I chose to quit suddenly, or ‘cold turkey’. You see, I tend to get deeply involved in things quickly. I need to be careful and mindful because I can easily become fixated. It’s not the action itself that matters, but the reasons behind it and the behavior connected to it. If you enjoy having a lot of sex, that’s fine, but it’s important to examine why you’re doing it so much.

One of the Backstreet Boys band members experimented with drugs for the first time prior to filming the music video for “The Call” in 2000. In a later interview on Good Morning America, he admitted that he felt hyperactive during the shoot because he was under the influence. After seeking sobriety in 2021, he experienced several significant improvements within a year, such as shedding 32 pounds over a period of seven months by giving up alcohol and fast food.

In September 2022, he stated to Today that excessive drinking led to an increase in his weight, but it also negatively impacted his emotional well-being.

Following Mac Miller’s unexpected demise, the rapper previously known as Shad Moss shared on Twitter about his past struggle with an addiction to cough syrup. In a series of tweets, he expressed:

“To the young ones – Stop playing with these foolish drugs,” he started. “I want to share something with you. When me and Omarion worked on the FACE OFF album, I was high on lean every day! When you saw me going off on Torae on BET, I was high on lean. My behavior, everything changed. My fans began to… Turn against me, even my family. I never promoted lean in my songs. The whole time I was on the UCP tour with Chris [Brown], I was sipping 4’s at least 7 times a day. I was addicted until our show in Cincinnati… I came off stage and passed out, woke up in the hospital – I was having withdrawals.”

He continued: “I have never felt pain like that before. It was summer, but I was walking around with three hoodies on because I was so cold. I missed the Chicago show of that tour, Baltimore show BECAUSE I WAS F–KING HIGH AND SICK!!!!! That’s not cool, and I was doing it to be cool! Quit that stuff! Be a good son or daughter. Be the best you. I will start being more vocal. We need to save the youth from going out early. Parents, watch your kids. Talk to them. We want you to live, man. I almost died with syrup.”

He concluded: “To this day, my stomach… Will never be the same, and it hasn’t been. DRUG FREE IS THE WAY TO BE SMART AND STRONG. Straighten up out here. We can’t lose any more of you. Not one! I love all of you. The young artists, all the kids around the world… Don’t follow a trend. Break the cycle. PEACE.

2018 saw the singer, Gwyneth Paltrow, releasing both her fourth studio album titled “No Shame” and a memoir called “My Thoughts Exactly.” In these releases, she openly discussed her struggles with addiction, particularly her excessive use of cocaine and alcohol, which often left her in a state of being “parasitically drunk.” The turning point came when an incident occurred at Kate Hudson’s Halloween party. She had unintentionally headbutted Orlando Bloom, leading to her losing consciousness. It was this event that prompted an intervention by Paltrow and her then-husband, Chris Martin.

She confided in The Guardian, “Nothing appeared to resonate or fulfill me. One morning during those troubled times, I awoke pondering, ‘Perhaps heroin might be the solution since nothing else seems effective.’

During the ’80s, the actor known for The Parent Trap struggled with cocaine addiction and had to seek treatment at a rehab facility in 1990. In an interview on Today, he shared that his upbringing during the ’60s and ’70s was marked by a far more relaxed view of drug use.

2018 saw him openly confess that he was using cocaine almost every day during the 1980s. He recounted his struggles with addiction, pleading with God to take it away and promising never to do it again, only to find himself saying “it’s not so bad” at around 4 in the afternoon, hours before he had to go to work.

He shared an intense moment where he felt like he was either dead or losing everything that mattered to him, which he referred to as a ‘white light experience.’ He needed to sit down and discuss this with his then-fiancée, Meg Ryan. Afterward, he realized it was time to seek help. This marked the end of his relationship with cocaine.

Following an occurrence in Newport Beach where the Olympic swimmer attempted to force open his hotel room door, Ryan Lochte decided to seek treatment in 2018. According to his representative’s statement provided to TopMob News, “Ryan has been struggling with alcohol addiction for a long time and unfortunately, it has developed into a harmful habit for him.” He has admitted that he needs professional help to tackle this issue and will be seeking immediate assistance.

Ryan understands that defeating this illness immediately is crucial for him to avoid making regrettable choices later on, so he can strive to be the best husband and father possible, and if he aims to reach dominance in swimming again at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

One significant factor motivating the former star of “Parenthood” to quit drinking was his connection with his current spouse, Melanie Lynskey. Despite understanding that it’s generally advised against getting sober for someone else, their relationship played a crucial role in this decision.

During an interview on “The Drew Barrymore Show” in March 2023, he clarified, “At one stage, I realized how extraordinary she was and believed she would be perfect for someone who truly appreciated her. However, I didn’t think I was that person worthy of her. I felt a tad unstable or perhaps overly enthusiastic.

However, as Ritter noted to TopMob News, he now sees that sobriety is ultimately a personal choice.

In the beginning of their relationship, he found it simpler to claim that his actions were for her because, during that period, he didn’t feel particularly valuable. He didn’t worry as much about causing himself pain as he did about causing her harm. Therefore, at first, it was easier for him to assert, “I’m doing this for her.” However, now, he is doing it for his own sake.

For almost a decade now, the country singer has managed to stay sober, but it was a long and challenging journey to get there. His struggle with alcohol and pain medication started shortly after he graduated from high school and continued even as his career took off. He always kept a black leather laptop bag loaded with bottles of Jagermeister or vodka within easy reach, he confessed in an earlier interview with People. Throughout the day, he’d take two or three big sips on the bottle every hour and a half to two hours, and every three or four hours, he’d need a pill or two.

He conceded that it didn’t hinder his progress, stating instead, “I wasn’t fumbling about aimlessly each day.” He clarified, “I was in full swing—composing more tunes back then than I do presently. That was the unsettling aspect.

By the end of 2011, he was admitted to the hospital due to pancreatitis, and doctors warned him that if he didn’t quit drinking, he might not live to see his next birthday. However, he continued to procrastinate and attempted to moderate his consumption on his own, such as promising himself to only take two pills a day or limiting his alcohol intake from the bottle and marking it. This strategy worked for a few days, but then someone would throw a party.

Eventually, he realized he needed assistance, admitting himself into rehab on December 18, 2011. “I reached a point where I understood it was beyond what I could handle alone,” Gilbert explained. “It infuriated me and left me ashamed. I am a determined individual, but this was the one aspect of my life that I just couldn’t conquer.

2025-03-07 05:18

Southern Charm’s Craig Conover’s Shocking Battle with Alcohol Addiction Revealed

Read More