Vanderpump Stars Speak Out: Jax Taylor's Brave Battle with Cocaine Addiction!

Jax Taylor‘s former Vanderpump Rules costars are applauding his recovery journey.

On a day following the revelation by the star of “The Valley” about his decades-long struggle with cocaine, lasting friends Tom Sandoval and Lala Kent shared their thoughts on Jax’s choice to disclose his battle with substance abuse issues in public.

During his appearance on “Watch What Happens Live” on March 5th, Tom expressed his awe, saying, “That’s amazing!” He also shared his pride and admiration, mentioning, “I’m so proud of him. To me, that’s truly impressive. He genuinely appears to be putting in the effort to better himself.

When Andy Cohen inquired from the co-owner of TomTom whether he knew about Jax’s substance abuse issues, he admitted, “Indeed, I had some understanding of his struggles with addiction,” further explaining, “Given that I’ve spent a considerable amount of time with him throughout the years.

In a recent statement, the 42-year-old individual mentioned that the cast was cognizant of Jax’s drug involvement involving cocaine for more than a decade, however, they did not point out any other previous SUR-employees by name in this context.

In the meantime, Lala, who’s been sober since 2018, expressed her views about Jax entering rehab for his addiction problems. This way, it’s clear that Lala has been sober for a while and she’s commenting on Jax’s decision to seek help in a rehabilitation center for his substance abuse issues.

The 34-year-old shared during the March 4 Amazon Livestream that the topic at hand was extremely sensitive. They personally have been in a recovery program for approximately six years, four months, and some additional time. Keeping sobriety can be different for everyone because addiction isn’t the same for everyone; it impacts individuals differently.

Lala, who is the mother of Ocean (age 3) and Sosa (6 months), expressed further, “Regardless if I personally like him or not, what I want to express is that I am incredibly proud of him. Let’s focus solely on that aspect for now.

In the Give Them Lala podcast, its host observed that it must have been difficult for Jax, father of 3-year-old son Cruz and estranged husband to Brittany Cartwright, to reveal his personal struggles in public.

She mentioned, “This experience is solely his, and it’s important that he shares it himself since only he truly understands the challenges he’s faced throughout his life, similar to how each person’s past is unique to them.

I’m genuinely rooting for his success on his sobriety journey,” Lala expressed. “Though my heart aches, the promise of sobriety fills me with optimism. I can’t help but feel incredibly hopeful and eager to witness the incredible things his future may bring if he decides to walk this path.

Speaking from my perspective as a lifestyle advisor, let me share some insights I gathered on Jax’s recovery journey, specifically focusing on the thoughts of his family. Notably, Brittany, his former partner, expressed her views mere hours following his recent disclosure on March 4th.

Brittany, having recently filed for divorce following five years of marriage, has now openly discussed the long-term impact of trauma her spouse has inflicted on their family. In a statement, she expressed hope that he can overcome his addiction one day, but admitted her doubts due to persistent concerning behaviors and what appears to be a minimal treatment plan.

36-year-old stated, “I’m doing my best to manage this situation for myself and my child, but each day remains tough and extremely challenging. Jax has wreaked immense destruction, and I find it hard to trust him now. All I can hope for is that he will transform into a better person someday, for the sake of his own son.

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

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

In the March 4th episode of Bravo’s Hot Mic podcast, I openly admitted my struggle – I am a substance addict, mainly with cocaine. Admitting it aloud is tough for me.

He mentioned that he’s had periods of dealing with this issue, starting when he was 23 years old and now being 45. There have been instances where he would abstain from it, but other times he found himself engaging in it more intensely.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I’ve made a conscious decision to abstain from alcohol and drugs, acknowledging that they have become intertwined in my life. I don’t necessarily see myself as having an issue with alcohol, but the combination of these substances has become problematic for me. I found it impossible to consume cocaine without also drinking. Therefore, I chose to give up both, and I’m proudly standing at 82, 83 days sober – a milestone that marks the longest stretch in my life without either substance.

In 2022, the star of Spider-Man: No Way Home decided to quit drinking alcohol because he felt trapped by it. On the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast, Holland admitted to being addicted and stated that anyone who drinks a beer daily might have an issue with alcohol abuse.

Then, you’d arrive at a point where you might think, “Wow, I wish I hadn’t had that final drink,” the actor went on. The next morning, you’d find yourself with a pounding headache.

“Then, you would get to that instant when you realize, ‘Wow, I shouldn’t have had that last beer,'” the actor added. “And the following day, you’d be battling a nasty headache.

After adopting a new lifestyle, Holland observed that he has been experiencing improved sleep quality and managing issues more effectively.

He said, “Previously, issues that used to upset me on the film set, I was able to handle calmly this time around. My mind was so much clearer. I felt better overall. I also felt more physically fit.

The lead actor from the “Hunt for Red October” movie seldom discusses his sobriety journey, a personal endeavor he embarked upon nearly four decades back.

He mentioned that he doesn’t often talk about this topic, but does so occasionally when it seems fitting. He has been sober for 39 years now, since February 23, 1985.

Regarding his life following his move from New York City to Los Angeles in 1983, Alec described a two-year period filled with intense struggles. He admitted that he used cocaine extensively during this time, stating that it felt like he had done lines of cocaine from here to Saturn. Essentially, he suggested that cocaine was as common and ubiquitous back then as coffee is today, with many people using it throughout the day.

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 brings him peace, revealing his fondness for the place. As he wanders around, he discovers new aspects of it every time – like appreciating details in a building he’d never noticed before, such as unique doors. He enjoys having meals and coffee with friends there.

Back in April 2024, I proudly declared my victory over a five-year sobriety streak! Sharing this accomplishment with the New York Times was like etching it in stone for all to see. To me, reaching this milestone is a testament to my resilience and determination.

Her thoughts were straightforwardly articulated. She confided, “I instinctively knew it wasn’t suitable for me,” she admitted. “It seemed so intense to have to say ‘Absolutely not,’ but Absolutely not. If you have an allergy or experience a severe reaction to something, you don’t debate it. So I decided to stop debating it.

She’s pleased with the choice she made, as she shared further, “I’ve found things are significantly improved for me.” She described it as a source of growth rather than dwelling on past struggles. In her own words, “I prefer not to dwell and focus on negative aspects.

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 substance and alcohol addiction, Moore discussed the self-damaging route that almost sabotaged her professional journey.

The celebrity reflected on pivotal experiences in life that influence our identity and choices, sharing how they once found themselves on a self-destructive path early in their career despite achievements. They admitted feeling perpetually inadequate, valuing themselves poorly. This destructive behavior led them to a critical juncture, and it wasn’t immediately clear why. They speculated that perhaps it was some form of divine guidance.

In 2012, Moore acknowledged her gratitude towards two individuals who weren’t well-acquainted with her for presenting her a challenging situation that motivated her to change her life. “If I wasn’t deceased,” she said playfully, “I had to show up.” She emphasized that this encounter provided her an opportunity to alter the direction of her life and prevent it from falling apart completely.

Moore remarked, “They seemed to know a side of me I wasn’t aware of, and I’m deeply thankful for it. Without their faith in me, I wouldn’t be where I am now.

In 2022, Cyrus revealed that she has been recovering from her Xanax addiction since 2020. She explained to Rolling Stone that the medication provided her with much-needed structure during a difficult time and offered her hope.

The singer commented, “When I realized there could be a momentary pause to mute the distress and dull the hurt, that was when it ended.

She mentioned that her friends at one point seemed to tacitly approve of her drug habit, which eventually turned into a deep, bottomless abyss for her. However, during the pandemic, Cyrus admitted she faced struggles and felt emotionally detached. “I kept dozing off and falling asleep,” she reminisced, “and I couldn’t manage to stay awake or keep my eyes open because I was so deeply immersed in it.

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, but in 2020, he unfortunately fell off the wagon after being prescribed Vicodin following a motorcycle mishap.

Over the past two months or so, he mentioned during his “Armchair Expert” podcast that he spends most of his day on these medications. He’s entitled to use them in a certain amount due to a prescription, but he also increases their effect.

He went on to express his dislike for the situation, admitting he was deceiving others. He acknowledged the need to stop but found himself developing a higher tolerance, now consuming eight 30mg doses daily, a quantity he knew would lead to a severe withdrawal. This realization caused him fear and feelings of loneliness, and he carried a heavy secret.

In the year 2018, the actress who starred in Halloween opened up about her decade-long struggle with opiate addiction that started in the late ’80s following a minor cosmetic surgery to address her family’s genetic puffy eyes. This led to a prescription that significantly impacted her life. In an interview with People, she admitted, “I had a ten-year phase of stealing and deceiving, all while keeping it hidden from everyone around me.

In the summer of 1998, when Curtis’s sister visited and brought painkillers for a rib injury, she reached her lowest point. As she confided to the publication while tears filled her eyes, she had discovered her sister’s prescription pills in the guest room closet during her stay. “I essentially took all of her opiates,” she admitted. When her sister was about to leave, she knew that the missing pills would be noticed. So, she wrote a note confessing to what she had done and left it on her suitcase. Upon her return home that day, her sister hugged her, expressing love, concern, and an unwillingness to stand by while Curtis was self-destructing.

On February 3, 1999, she participated in her inaugural meeting, coincidentally the same day she shared her battle with substance abuse for the first time with her filmmaker spouse, Christopher Guest. “He couldn’t believe he hadn’t noticed,” Curtis stated, explaining that she has been clean and sober since then.

In 2021, Barrymore, who has previously sought treatment for alcohol and drug addiction, publicly announced a significant accomplishment in her recovery journey. On CBS Mornings, she revealed, “For the first time in a long while, I’m sharing this: It’s been two and a half years since my last drink of alcohol.” She further explained, “I realized that it was not beneficial for me in my life.

She commented, “It’s quite amusing. When we bare our souls and uncover our hidden truths and accomplishments that we’ve labored over, it feels both empowering and exposing in a single moment.

Later on, Barrymore clarified to the Los Angeles Times that she prefers not to be labeled as “sober,” as she doesn’t want others to perceive her as a flawless Puritan.

In the year 2023, she reflected, ‘I’ve been telling myself, “I can conquer this, I’ll find a way,” but then it dawned on me: “I’ve never truly mastered this skill, and I may never do so.”‘

During the 2000s, the actor known for “A Star Is Born” battled a cocaine addiction. At that time, Will Arnett intervened and addressed his questionable actions directly with him.

During his 2022 interview on the Smartless podcast, Cooper shared that it was the first moment he acknowledged having issues with substance abuse, an experience he would never forget.

Citing Arnett as the catalyst, Cooper mentioned, “He bravely engaged in a challenging discussion with me, which led me to contemplate and ultimately decide to transform my life.

The actor from Fight Club battled alcohol addiction for many years, but eventually found sobriety thanks to Cooper. He made this statement at the 2020 National Board of Review Annual Awards when Cooper handed him an award, saying, “I owe my sobriety to this person,” and every day since then has been happier.

In September 2023, the former star of Cruel Intentions posted on Instagram that it had been the longest period since his teenage years that he had been free from any form of nicotine or marijuana, as well as some other substances.

From my perspective as a lifestyle guide, I can confidently say that experiencing gratitude for shedding the shackles of addiction and liberation from substance dependence is truly exhilarating. Embracing sobriety brings about a remarkable sense of clarity, and an undeniable feeling of spiritual alignment – it’s simply indescribable.

Reflecting on my six-year journey of sobriety during a tour in 2018, I shared my milestone with my fans. However, the following months brought an unexpected twist – one that left many of you stunned. In late 2018, I released a heartfelt single titled “Sober,” which served as a raw confession about my personal struggle and relapse.

Mama, I’m truly sorry but I’m no longer in control / Daddy, please find it in your heart to forgive me for the spilled drinks on the floor / To those who have always stood by me, we’ve been here before, I’m really sorry, but right now I’m not in control,” she sang.

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

Two weeks ago, she shared on Instagram that she’s been open about her struggle with addiction. She explained that this illness doesn’t just vanish or weaken over time – it’s an ongoing battle she’s still fighting. Right now, she needs space to recover and concentrate on her sobriety. The support you’ve given her will always be remembered, and she eagerly anticipates the day when she can announce she’s overcome this challenge. Until then, she’ll keep battling.

2018 saw her reflecting on her struggles with addictions to both sex and alcohol. “My addictions can be unpredictable,” she admitted, explaining that at a younger age, she believed that sexual encounters could solve all her problems. She further disclosed an instance where she recognized she had fallen into a destructive drinking habit.

I can still recall hitting my personal low when I found myself alone in this place, with two bottles of wine already down, and my hand reaching for a third. But then, a voice inside me said, ‘Wait a minute! Alone here, on your third bottle? This could be more than just a casual habit.’

She mentioned that she stopped abruptly from whatever she was engaged in, which is something she often does. You see, she tends to immerse herself completely in activities and needs to be cautious, as she can easily become overly involved. It’s not the action itself that matters, but the reasons behind it. If one indulges excessively in sexual activity, for instance, the question is why? That’s what one should examine.

As a devoted fan, I can share that one of the Backstreet Boys took his first step into the world of drugs prior to filming the music video for “The Call” in 2000. In an interview with Good Morning America years down the line, he confessed that he was like a human pinball machine during the shoot, experiencing extreme energy levels. However, after battling his addiction for many years, he finally achieved sobriety in 2021. Remarkably, just one year later, he saw numerous positive changes in his life – shedding an impressive 32 pounds over a span of seven months by eliminating alcohol and fast food from his diet.

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

After the unexpected passing of Mac Miller, rapper Shad Moss openly confessed on Twitter about his past struggle with cough syrup addiction. In a series of tweets, he expressed: “To the young ones – stop with these foolish drugs.” He admitted that during the production of the FACE OFF album with Omarion, he was addicted to lean and using it every day. His behavior on BET when arguing with Torae, he was also high on lean. This addiction affected his attitude, family relationships, and even led to his fans turning against him.

He revealed that during the UCP tour with Chris Brown, he was consuming 4’s (presumably a reference to codeine syrup) at least seven times a day. He was addicted until their show in Cincinnati where he passed out backstage and woke up in the hospital suffering from withdrawal symptoms.

He shared that he had never felt pain like that before, describing his condition as being so cold that he needed multiple hoodies even in summer. He missed shows in Chicago and Baltimore due to his drug use.

He emphasized the dangers of this behavior, stating: “Drug-free is the way to be.” He urged his fans to smarten up, tighten up, and warned about the loss of more young lives. He expressed his love for his fans, particularly the young artists and encouraged them not to follow trends but instead break the cycle. His message concluded with “Peace.

2018 was a year of raw truth-telling for me, as I released my fourth album, “No Shame,” and my memoir, “My Thoughts Exactly.” In these works, I laid bare the darkest depths of my struggle with addiction. I found myself ensnared in the vicious cycle of cocaine abuse and excessive drinking, often reaching a state of being “parasitically drunk.”

A pivotal moment came when I unintentionally headbutted Orlando Bloom at Kate Hudson’s Halloween party, leading to me knocking myself out. This incident prompted an intervention by none other than Gwyneth Paltrow and my ex, Chris Martin. They recognized that I needed help, and I am eternally grateful for their intervention.

She shared with The Guardian, “I felt nothing could touch or fulfill me during those difficult times. One morning, as I was contemplating the darkness, I thought to myself, ‘Perhaps heroin might be an option since nothing else seems effective.’

During the 1980s, the actor who starred in The Parent Trap struggled with a cocaine addiction that eventually led him to rehabilitation centers in 1990. Later on, during an interview on Today, he shared his upbringing during the ’60s and ’70s where there was a significantly different viewpoint about drug use.

In 2018, I openly acknowledged that my days during the ’80s were marked by a near-constant use of cocaine. I would pray fervently to God, pleading for him to take it away and promising never to return to it again, only to find myself back at it hours before I had to report to work. By 4 PM, I’d convince myself that it wasn’t so bad.

He shared an intense personal moment where he felt like he was either facing death or losing everything valuable to him, which he referred to as a profound, white-light experience. Needing to understand this sudden revelation, he had to sit down with his fiancée, Meg Ryan, and explain the situation. From there, he decided it was time to seek help. This marked the end of his tumultuous relationship with cocaine.

Following an event at Newport Beach where Ryan Lochte attempted to force open his hotel room door, Lochte decided to seek treatment in 2018. According to his representative, Lochte has been struggling with alcohol addiction for quite some time now, and unfortunately, this struggle has developed into a harmful habit for him. He has admitted that he needs professional help to overcome his issue and will be receiving immediate assistance.

Ryan realizes that overcoming this disease immediately is crucial for him to prevent future mistakes, to become the best husband and father possible, and if he aims to reach his goal of competing again in the pool during the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

Despite understanding that it’s generally advised against, getting sober for someone else isn’t typically recommended, but the former star of “Parenthood” found his motivation to quit drinking significantly influenced by his relationship with Melanie Lynskey, who is now his wife.

He shared during his March 2023 interview on “The Drew Barrymore Show” that at some point, he realized she was extraordinary and believed she would be perfect for someone who truly deserved her. However, he didn’t feel like he was worthy enough to receive her affection, admitting that he felt a tad bit unstable or excessive.

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

In the beginning of our relationship, he said, he found it simpler to claim that his actions were for her because, at that point in time, he didn’t think highly of himself. He didn’t worry as much about causing himself pain compared to the thought of hurting her. Therefore, it was less difficult for him to assert, “I’m doing this for her.” Now, however, he’s acting for his own sake.

As a devoted admirer, I can share that for almost a decade now, my favorite country artist has managed to maintain sobriety, but the journey wasn’t easy. The struggle with alcohol and painkillers started shortly after high school graduation, and it didn’t ease up as his career flourished. He confided in People that he always kept a black leather laptop bag stocked with bottles of Jagermeister or vodka within an arm’s reach, and throughout the day, he would take two or three pulls every hour and a half to two hours. Every three or four hours, he also admitted to taking one or two pills.

He confessed that it didn’t hinder his achievements, instead, he acknowledged that he was quite productive. In fact, he wrote more songs back then compared to what he writes currently. This is what made him feel uneasy.

Towards the end of 2011, he was admitted to the hospital due to pancreatitis, and doctors warned him that if he didn’t stop drinking, he might not make it to his next birthday. He attempted to quit on his own terms, such as promising himself he would only take two pills a day or limit his alcohol intake and mark the bottle. This plan worked for a few days, but then someone would throw a party, causing him to relapse.

Eventually, he realized he needed assistance, admitting himself into rehab on December 18, 2011. “I reached a point where I understood it was something I couldn’t handle alone,” Gilbert explained. “It infuriated me and brought great shame. I may be quite determined, but that was the one aspect of my life I couldn’t manage.

2025-03-06 20:19

Vanderpump Stars Speak Out: Jax Taylor’s Brave Battle with Cocaine Addiction!

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