Jax Taylor Opens Up About Cocaine Addiction

Jax Taylor is on the road to recovery.

In a groundbreaking revelation, the lead actor from The Valley spoke candidly for the first time about his prolonged struggle with substance abuse spanning over several decades.

During the March 4 episode of Bravo’s Hot Mic podcast, Jax confessed that he struggles with addiction, specifically to cocaine. He admitted it isn’t easy for him to verbalize this truth.

He explained, “I’ve had periods of facing this issue, off and on, from when I was 23 up until now at 45 years old. At some points, I managed to avoid it entirely, but other times, I found myself indulging quite a bit.

In his own words, Jax acknowledges that although he has never openly acknowledged cocaine use before, viewers of Bravo might have picked up on the fact that he seemed to be under the influence during his decade-long stint in reality television.

He stated, “It was clear that they were unaware of my actions, as everything I did was independent. I found myself on that train and couldn’t disembark.

As a devoted father of our three-year-old boy, Cruz, I’m Jax, and I recently opened up about my journey toward quitting substance abuse and alcohol consumption.

He added, “Often people ask me if I struggle with alcohol issues as well. To be honest, while I don’t see myself as having a problem per se, I do find that alcohol and cocaine tend to go together for me. So, I decided to quit both. I am pleased to share that I have been sober for 82, 83 days now, which is the longest stretch without either substance in my entire life.

Last year, when my dear old man took his final bow, and then, come August, when Brittany chose to part ways after five blissful years together – these twin tragedies proved to be the catalyst that set Jax on a new, transformative path.

He pointed out that it was then his addiction intensified, leading him to lose self-control. It seems he reached a critical stage, perhaps even hitting an all-time low, which required him to seek treatment in a rehabilitation center.

However, the ex-addict is experiencing a rejuvenation of sorts, having been clean and sober for nearly three months now, following his stint at a Los Angeles rehabilitation center.

He expressed that it feels incredibly wonderful, and he wishes to make others aware of how truly challenging this disease is, as well as the difficulty of being sick. After enduring it for such a long time, one might say he’s been hiding or lying about it, but he’s had enough. It’s time for change.

Regarding their current situation after their tumultuous separation, Jax has expressed optimism that they can maintain a civil relationship while co-parenting Cruz and navigating their changed circumstances.

As I navigate each day, I find myself tending to a healing process, much like a wound after going through a challenging experience such as a divorce. But I’m taking the necessary steps to foster healing and growth. Right now, I’m focusing on positive actions and hoping for a favorable outcome.

Keep reading to see more stars who’ve opened up about their addiction and sobriety journeys.

In 2022, the star of Spider-Man: No Way Home decided to quit alcohol consumption due to feeling trapped by it. On the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast, Holland admitted that he was indeed addicted to alcohol and did not shy away from acknowledging this. He further expressed his belief that anyone who drinks beer daily may have a growing issue with substance abuse.

The actor went on to say, “Then, it hits you – ‘Oh, I wish I hadn’t had that final drink last night.’ You awaken the following morning with a throbbing headache.”

Or more casually:

“The actor admitted, ‘You know when you reach that point where you think, ‘I really shouldn’t have had that extra beer,’ and then you end up with a killer hangover.’

After adopting a new lifestyle, Holland found that he sleeps more soundly and manages issues more effectively.

He confided, “Previously, problems on the set that used to upset me a lot, I could now handle more easily.” He added, “My mental focus was significantly improved. I felt more vibrant and robust.

In a more casual and clear manner, we could say: The main character from “Hunt for Red October” rarely talks about his alcohol recovery that started nearly four decades back.

In his May 2024 podcast interview, he mentioned that the topic doesn’t come up frequently, but occasionally if it’s appropriate. He has been sober for 39 years now, achieving sobriety on February 23, 1985.

Discussing his life following his relocation from New York City to Los Angeles in 1983, Alec described a daily struggle with addiction that lasted for two years. He admitted to using an enormous amount of cocaine, going so far as to say he might have snorted a line from here to Saturn. When he returned home, it seemed like everyone was consuming cocaine like they would coffee at the time.

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 expressed that New York leaves him feeling peaceful. As he wanders around, he discovers parts of it he hadn’t noticed before – like marveling at a building’s unique doors. He spends time with meals and beverages with his friends there.

Back in April 2024, I proudly announced that I’ve been living a life of sobriety for over five years. To me, reaching this point is a significant achievement, as I shared with the New York Times.

Her thought process was straightforward; she acknowledged, “I instinctively knew it wasn’t suitable for me.” She added, “It seemed excessively challenging to say ‘But none,’ yet I couldn’t dispute that feeling. If you have an allergy or a severe reaction to something, you don’t try to argue with it. Thus, I chose not to argue with it anymore.

She expressed satisfaction with her choice, stating that the outcome improved things for her significantly. In other words, she found it uplifting and prefers not to dwell on past difficulties.

As I stood on stage to receive the 2018 Woman of the Year Award from the Peggy Albrecht Friendly House, a home offering refuge for women battling addiction to substances and alcohol, I shared my journey down a self-destructive path that almost halted my professional growth.

The celebrity shared that they experienced pivotal moments in life that influenced who they became and their future choices. Early on in their career, they found themselves heading towards self-destruction, despite any achievements, but always felt unworthy. They had no respect for themselves, which led them to a critical point in their life. At the time, it wasn’t clear why this was happening, but looking back, they believe it might have been a divine intervention.

In 2012, Moore acknowledged her gratitude towards two individuals who weren’t very familiar with her. These people presented her with a sort of ultimatum, urging her to transform her life. She humorously said, “Unless I was deceased, I had to show up,” implying their insistence. She also mentioned that they gave her an opportunity to alter the trajectory of her life before it crumbled completely.

It was evident to them that they knew a side of me I wasn’t aware of myself,” Moore observed. “I’m deeply thankful for this insight, as it was their faith in me that has led me to where I am today.

In 2022, Cyrus opened up about her battle with Xanax addiction, stating that she has been in recovery since 2020. Speaking to Rolling Stone, she explained, “Xanax provided a sense of order during the time when I desperately needed it, as I didn’t want to be aimlessly ruminating. It gave me a glimmer of hope.

The singer stated, “When I believed I could momentarily drown out the world and lessen your suffering, that was the end.

She mentioned that her friends back then seemed to tacitly approve of her drug abuse, which led to a deep, seemingly endless abyss. However, during the pandemic, Cyrus recognized difficulties and felt emotionally detached. “I would frequently doze off and fall asleep,” she reminisced. “And I couldn’t keep my head up or my eyes open because I was so deeply submerged.

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

16 years ago, the former star of Parenthood had been living a sober life until a motorcycle accident in 2020 led him to resume his Vicodin use.

Over the past two months, approximately, he admitted on his “Armchair Expert” podcast, “I spend most of my time on these medications, but I can do so due to a valid prescription. Additionally, I sometimes increase their effect with additional doses.

He went on saying, “I despise this situation, I’m deceiving others, and I understand I must stop. However, my ability to tolerate is escalating so rapidly that I’m currently consuming about eight 30-milligram doses a day, which I know will lead to a harsh withdrawal. This fear and loneliness are setting in, and I carry this massive secret with me.

Back in 2018, the actress from Halloween opened up about her decade-long struggle with opiate addiction that started in the late ’80s following a cosmetic procedure to address her genetic puffy eyes. This simple prescription dramatically altered her life. In an interview with People, she confessed, “I had a 10-year period filled with stealing and scheming, yet nobody was aware. Not a soul.

In the summer of 1998, when Curtis’s sister visited and brought painkillers for a rib injury, she admitted that this was her lowest point. “I knew she kept them in our guest room closet during her stay,” she confided to the publication, tears welling up as she recalled the moment. “I essentially took all her opiates before she left. I figured she would discover her missing pills once she packed and I had to confess what I’d done. So, I wrote her a note and left it on her suitcase. When she returned home, she hugged me and expressed her love and worry for me, realizing I was endangering myself.

On February 3, 1999, she participated in her initial gathering, which coincidentally marked the day she shared her struggle with her filmmaker spouse, Christopher Guest. “He couldn’t believe he hadn’t noticed,” Curtis stated, further mentioning that she has been abstinent ever since.

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 revealed, “For the first time in a long while, I want to share this: It’s been two and a half years since my last drink of alcohol. Reflecting on it now, I can honestly say that it was not beneficial for me.

She expressed, “It’s quite amusing. When we expose who we are, our secrets, and what we’ve labored on diligently, it’s both empowering and exposing simultaneously.

Later on, Barrymore clarified to the Los Angeles Times that she avoids using the term “sober” since she doesn’t wish to be perceived as a flawless Puritan or someone who is morally superior.

In 2023, she admitted, “For a long time, I was telling myself, ‘I can conquer this. I’ll find the answer.’ But eventually, it struck me: ‘This is something I’ll never fully grasp.’

In the early 2000s, the actor from the movie “A Star Is Born” battled a cocaine addiction. However, his friend Will Arnett intervened and addressed his concerning actions directly.

During his 2022 interview on the Smartless podcast, Cooper shared that it was the first moment he acknowledged he had issues with substance abuse, an experience he would always remember vividly.

Cooper noted that Arnett served as the catalyst for his decision to become sober. He explained, “Arnett bravely initiated a challenging discussion with me, which ultimately led me to choose a new direction in life.

The actor who played in Fight Club battled alcohol addiction for many years, but later managed to get sober thanks to Cooper. During the 2020 National Board of Review Annual Awards, he shared this with the audience after receiving a trophy from Cooper: “Every day has been happier since then because I got sober due to this man.

In September 2023, the former star of Cruel Intentions posted on Instagram that it had been the longest period since his teenage years when he didn’t have any form of nicotine or cannabis in his body (alongside other substances).

He expressed gratitude for the liberation brought about by overcoming addictions and freeing himself from substance reliance. He found sobriety, understanding, and a deeper spiritual connection to be truly fulfilling.

In 2018, while on tour and openly commemorating six years without alcohol, the artist astonished fans by releasing the candid song “Sober.” This release hinted at a recent relapse in her sobriety journey.

Mom, I apologize for losing control again. Dad, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me for the spilled drinks on the floor. To those who have always stood by me, I’m sorry, but I’ve lost my sobriety once more.” She expressed this in song.

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

Two weeks ago, she shared on Instagram that her struggle with addiction has always been an open book. She’s come to realize that this ailment doesn’t vanish or weaken over time; instead, it’s a battle she must persistently fight. At present, she needs time to mend and prioritize her sobriety and healing process. The affection you’ve all shown her will always be treasured, and she eagerly anticipates the day when she can announce her victory over this challenge. For now, she continues to strive for success in her recovery journey.

In 2018, she spoke about her struggles with addictions to both sex and alcohol. “My addictions can change. They shift from one thing to another. Looking back, I believe I had some form of a sexual addiction when I was younger, yes, the belief that all problems could be solved through sex,” she explained, before discussing how she recognized her problematic drinking habits.

She shared, “I recall hitting an all-time low, sitting alone at home with three bottles of wine. And then I thought to myself, ‘Wait a minute. Here I am, drinking my third bottle of wine all by myself at home? This could be a sign of trouble.’

She shared, “I quit abruptly, or ‘cold turkey’. You see, I tend to do things abruptly. I’m a person who can easily get engrossed in activities, so I need to be mindful. I can become overly obsessed with things.” She went on, “It’s not about the action itself, but the motivation behind it. The reason why you’re doing it. It’s the pattern of behavior connected to it that matters. If you enjoy having a lot of sex, that’s fine, but ask yourself why you’re having so much of it. That’s what you should focus on.

A member of the Backstreet Boys experimented with drugs for the first time prior to filming the music video for “The Call” in 2000. He admitted years later on Good Morning America that he was extremely energetic during the shoot due to drug use. He achieved sobriety in 2021 and experienced numerous positive outcomes within a year, including shedding 32 pounds in seven months by eliminating alcohol and fast food from his diet.

He stated on Today in September 2022 that excessive drinking led to an increase in his weight, and it additionally negatively impacted his mental well-being.

Following Mac Miller’s untimely demise, the rapper known as Bow Wow revealed on Twitter his past struggle with an addiction to cough syrup. In a series of tweets, he warned the youth against using such harmful substances, sharing that during the recording of the album “Face Off” with Omarion, he was addicted to lean (cough syrup) and was high almost every day. He admitted that his behavior changed, and his fans and family turned against him. Bow Wow revealed that he was consuming around 7 doses of lean per day while on tour with Chris Brown, and his addiction led to him missing shows in Chicago and Baltimore due to being high and sick.

Bow Wow expressed the pain he felt when he had to be hospitalized as a result of his addiction, stating that it was one of the worst pains he’d ever experienced. He emphasized that he almost died from syrup abuse and urged parents to watch their children closely, explaining the dangers of such substances. Bow Wow pledged to be more vocal about the issue, encouraging young artists and kids worldwide not to follow trends but to break the cycle. He ended by expressing his love for all his fans and urging everyone to stay safe.

In 2018, the singer openly shared her struggles with addiction through the simultaneous releases of her fourth album, “No Shame,” and her memoir, “My Thoughts Exactly.” As revealed by Allen, she had been heavily using cocaine and drinking excessively, often reaching a state of being “parasitically drunk.” Notably, an incident at Kate Hudson’s Halloween party, where Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin staged an intervention after she unintentionally headbutted Orlando Bloom and lost consciousness, underscored the severity of her addiction issues.

She shared with The Guardian, “I felt nothing could touch or fulfill me. One morning during those difficult times, I found myself contemplating, ‘Perhaps heroin might be the solution, since nothing else seems effective.’

Throughout the 1980s, the actor of The Parent Trap struggled with a cocaine addiction that eventually led him to rehabilitation in 1990. In an interview on Today, he shared that he grew up during the ’60s and ’70s when there was a significantly different perception towards drug use compared to today.

In 2018, he openly acknowledged that he had been using cocaine regularly throughout the ’80s. He described himself as struggling with addiction, often pleading with God to take it away from him, promising never to do it again, only to find himself saying at 4 in the afternoon, “It’s not so bad.

He shared an intense personal encounter, which he referred to as a ‘white light moment’. During this experience, he either saw himself in a state of death or losing everything valuable to him. Overwhelmed, he needed to sit down with his then-fiancée, Meg Ryan, and discuss what was happening. Following this, he decided it was time to seek help and ended his relationship with drugs, particularly cocaine.

Following an event in Newport Beach where the Olympic swimmer attempted to break down his hotel room door, Ryan Lochte decided to seek treatment in 2018. His representative told TopMob News that Lochte has been struggling with alcohol addiction for a long time and unfortunately, it has led to a harmful pattern for him. He has admitted he requires professional help to conquer this issue and will begin treatment immediately.

Ryan understands that defeating this illness is crucial for him to avoid making unfavorable choices in the future, to excel as the best husband and father he can be, and if he aims to regain his dominance in swimming during the 5th Olympics in Tokyo in 2020.

It was primarily his connection with his current spouse, Melanie Lynskey, that motivated him to give up alcohol, despite understanding that it’s generally advised not to get sober for someone else.

In the spirit of sharing insights, let me tell you that at one juncture, I recognized her extraordinary qualities and believed she would be a perfect match for someone truly deserving. However, I couldn’t help but feel I wasn’t the right fit – perhaps I was just a bit too unconventional in their eyes.

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

He explained that in the beginning stages of their relationship, it felt simpler for him to claim he was acting for her because, at that moment, he didn’t have a high opinion of his own worth. At that time, he was more concerned about causing pain to her than to himself. Consequently, it seemed easier for him to assert, “I’m doing this for her.” Now, however, he is acting for his own sake.

For nearly a decade now, the nation’s singer has managed to stay sober, but it wasn’t an easy journey. His struggles with alcohol and painkillers started shortly after high school graduation and continued even as his career took flight. He confessed that he always had a black leather laptop bag stocked with bottles of Jagermeister or vodka within easy reach. Every hour and a half to two hours, he would take multiple drinks, and every three to four hours, he would consume a couple of pills.

He acknowledged that it didn’t hinder his achievements, instead saying, “I wasn’t tripping over myself constantly,” he explained. “I was productive — I composed more music back then than I do currently. That’s what made it nerve-wracking.

Towards the end of 2011, he was admitted to the hospital due to pancreatitis, and medical professionals warned him that continued drinking could lead to his demise. However, he hesitated to change and attempted self-restraint, thinking things like, “Alright, I’ll limit myself to two drinks today. I’ll just drink this much from my bottle and make a note on the bottle.” This strategy sometimes worked for a few days, but then someone would organize a party.

Eventually, recognizing the need for assistance, I stepped foot into rehab on December 18, 2011. I had reached a point where I acknowledged it was something beyond my capabilities alone. It enraged and humiliated me intensely. I am a determined individual, but this was the one aspect of my life that eluded my control.

2025-03-04 22:20

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