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The Valley’s Jax Taylor Has Opened Up About His Cocaine Addiction: What He’s Said About Rehab, Sobriety
Jax Taylor opened up about his struggles with substance abuse, including cocaine, which heightened following his February 2024 separation from estranged wife Brittany Cartwright. The Valley star detailed his two trips to rehab before successfully attempting a “California sober” life.
“I am an addict. I have substance issues — primarily with cocaine. It’s hard to say out loud,” Jax admitted during the March 4, 2025, episode of Alex Baskin‘s “Hot Mic” podcast. “I’ve been dealing with this on and off since I was 23 and now I’m 45. There were times where I would stop doing it but then there were times where I’d go heavy on it.”
Jax Taylor Reveals His Substance and Cocaine Struggles
During his March 2025 appearance on the “Hot Mic” podcast, Jax shed a light on his time on Vanderpump Rules where his behavior caused concern among fans and staff.
“[They] could kind of tell that I was on something. Obviously, production and [other] people, they didn’t know what I was doing,” the Bravo star explained.” Everything I was doing was on my own but I was just on that train and I couldn’t get off.”
Jax shared that he often gets asked if he struggles with alcoholism, which he denied. However, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder during his rehab stay.
“I don’t necessarily think I have an alcohol problem but the two go hand in hand,” he said during a separate part of the interview. “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.”
Inside Jax Taylor’s Trips to Rehab
Jax entered an inpatient treatment facility in July 2024, five months after Brittany announced their separation. She officially filed for divorce that August.
“Jax has always been candid about his mental health struggles, especially during the past few months on his podcast,” Jax’s rep told Us Weekly in a statement in July 2024. “He has made the decision to seek inpatient treatment. This is a particularly sensitive time for him and his family. They ask for privacy and respect until he is ready to speak more on this matter.”
The reality star admitted that he “got a lot” from his first rehab visit, but wasn’t able to stay sober.
Jax Taylor Explains What Led to His Rehab Visits
“Brittany and I were actually on our way to a doctor’s appointment for our son [Cruz Michael Cauchi], and her phone was connected to my car. A man’s name came up, and it just triggered me,” Jax reflected on the “Hot Mic” podcast.
He later explained, “I lost it. I went crazy in the car, you know, yelling. And the worst part about all of this is, and this is why I checked myself in, is that my son was in the backseat. And that’s when I knew. I’m like, ‘S–t, I have a problem. It’s still there.’”
Two days after his outburst, Jax’s friends sat him down for an intervention while trying to help turn his life around.
“It was a lot of people, and — not to break the fourth wall or anything — but my manager saw me kind of going a little bit off the rails, and they said, ‘Maybe this is a good move for you,’” Jax explained. “So, I honestly have to thank them because I was bad. It was really, really bad. I don’t know where I would be if I didn’t go to this institution.”
Brittany Cartwright Reacts to Estranged Husband Jax Taylor’s Cocaine Confession
Brittany reacted to Jax’s confession hours after the “Hot Mic” podcast dropped.
“I’m glad that he finally admitted to what was really going on. For the first time, I can speak openly about the extent of trauma he’s instilled on our family over the years,” the Kentucky native told People in a statement on March 4, 2025.
Although Brittany sent her well-wishes for Jax to “completely knock his addiction,” she is “skeptical.”
“His behaviors are still alarming and his treatment plan seems to be the bare minimum,” she admitted.
Brittany Cartwright Reveals Jax Taylor’s Cocaine Addiction on ‘The Valley’
The following month, fans saw the aftermath of Brittany and Jax’s big fight that led to their separation during The Valley season 2 premiere.
They filmed together for the first time during episode 2, which resulted in a full-blown explosive fight inside their home.
“I am done protecting Jax. He has just been spiraling out of control. He’s gotten worse. I don’t know if he’s at rock bottom, yet, but he is really freaking close,” Brittany said in a confessional clip that played right before she dropped a bombshell during their fight.
“Jax, you have the coke problem. Everybody knows it, own up to it, be real with the doctors,” Brittany said, leading Jax to fire back, “You’ve never done any?”
“I’m not saying I never have. You are the one with the addiction,” Brittany replied. “Give me a drug test right now. I will pass. Will you?”
Jax got up and walked away from her, saying, “I’m not doing this anymore.”
Jax Taylor’s Former ‘Vanderpump Rules’ Costars React to Cocaine Addiction
Jax’s longtime friend and Vanderpump Rules costar Tom Sandoval reacted to his confession during a March 5, 2025, appearance on Watch What Happens Live, and shared that he was “proud of him.”
“Yes, I was somewhat aware of his problems with addiction,” Tom told Andy Cohen, adding “I’ve been around him over the years, obviously.”
Meanwhile, Lala Kent shared her support for Jax and his sobriety while taking her personal feelings out of her statement.
“This is going to be his journey and his journey only, and he should be the only one to speak on it because none of us know what he’s been through in his life,” Lala said during a March 4, 2025, Amazon Livestream. “The details of why he ended up where he ended up, just like with all of us.”
Vanderpump Rules matriarch Lisa Vanderpump also spoke out, when she called into Radio Andy the same day. Lisa asked how long Jax was struggling and pointed out their VPR season 8 finale fight when he called the series his show.
“But Jax is very stubborn and he is going to tell you what he wants you to know,” Lisa told Andy. “I knew something was going on but [I don’t have much contact with him] on The Valley. I am not that involved — not like I am with Vanderpump Rules.”
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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