News
entertainment
english
hollywood
Jax Taylor opens up about addiction, mental health struggles and divorce in candid interview

Jax Taylor opens up about addiction, mental health struggles and divorce in candid interview

TOI Entertainment Desk / etimes.in / Mar 6, 2025, 10:25 IST

Text Size

Small
Medium
Large

Former 'Vanderpump Rules' star Jax Taylor discusses his cocaine addiction and the impact it had on his marriage and mental health. Taylor, now celebrating 83 days of sobriety, opens up about his journey toward recovery and his ongoing efforts to improve his life and relationships.

Jax Taylor opens up about addiction, mental health struggles and divorce in candid interview

twitter

Former 'Vanderpump Rules' star Jax Taylor has broken his silence about his long-running battle with substance abuse, mental health challenges, and the collapse of his marriage to Brittany Cartwright. Speaking on Alex Baskin’s Hot Mic podcast, the 45 year old reality TV personality openly discussed his struggles with addiction, the impact it had on his personal and professional life and his journey toward sobriety.
For the first time, Taylor publicly admitted to his cocaine addiction, a battle he has been fighting since his early 20s. “I’ve been dealing with this on and off since I was 23, and now I’m 45,�?he revealed, describing the experience as a “really tough sickness�?that he will have to manage for the rest of his life. Although he attempted to keep his drug use under wraps, he acknowledged that many fans noticed the signs, from his erratic behavior on screen to his physical symptoms. “Looking back, I see it now—sweating for no reason, my pupils dilated—it was obvious,�?he admitted.
Taylor also detailed the emotional and psychological toll of his addiction, particularly the crushing lows that followed drug use. “The next day is always the worst you feel empty, depressed and angry,�?he said. Unfortunately much of that frustration was unfairly directed at his now estranged wife Brittany. “She never did anything wrong but I would come home after a binge and take my anger out on her,�?he confessed, adding that their worst arguments always followed his substance use.
His addiction spiraled further following his separation from Cartwright in 2024. The heartbreak pushed him deeper into destructive habits with Taylor admitting to using drugs multiple times a week. His behavior became reckless, including reaching out to numerous women in an effort to fill the void left by his failing marriage. However, the breaking point came during an incident in which he lost his temper while driving with his three year old son in the backseat. “That’s when I knew I had a serious problem,�?he said, explaining his decision to return to rehab.

In treatment, Taylor was officially diagnosed with bipolar disorder and PTSD—conditions that had gone undiagnosed for years. He revealed that he had previously self-medicated with Lexapro, but it only worsened his anger issues. His time in rehab provided much-needed clarity and he took his recovery seriously attending therapy and participating in group discussions. “I actually found myself taking over the meetings, trying to help others—it felt like I had a purpose,�?he shared.
Now, Taylor is celebrating a major milestone: 83 days of sobriety. Though he admits to using cannabis occasionally to help with sleep, he has cut out alcohol and cocaine completely. “I don’t think I had an alcohol problem on its own, but drinking and drugs went hand in hand, so I gave up both,�?he explained.
Despite his progress, tensions with Cartwright remain unpredictable. He said that he never know what he can expect as she is happy one day and said the other day. Though he emphasized his commitment to co-parenting their son and being present in his life.
Reflecting on his past, Taylor acknowledges the hypocrisy of his anger toward Cartwright’s new relationship, admitting that he had been unfaithful himself. While he has no expectations of rekindling their romance, he remains focused on personal growth and redemption.
Taylor is now prioritizing his health, relationships and career, ensuring that his past mistakes do not define his future. “I want to be someone people can take seriously again,�?he said. “I know I have a long way to go, but I’m committed to making things right.�?br/>

About the Author

TOI Entertainment Desk

The TOI Entertainment Desk is a dynamic and dedicated team of journalists, working tirelessly to bring the pulse of the entertainment world straight to the readers of The Times of India. No red carpet goes unrolled, no stage goes dark - our team spans the globe, bringing you the latest scoops and insider insights from Bollywood to Hollywood, and every entertainment hotspot in between. We don't just report; we tell tales of stardom and stories untold. Whether it's the rise of a new sensation or the seasoned journey of an industry veteran, the TOI Entertainment Desk is your front-row seat to the fascinating narratives that shape the entertainment landscape. Beyond the breaking news, we present a celebration of culture. We explore the intersections of entertainment with society, politics, and everyday life.

End of Article