Okay reality TV fans you know Jax Taylor right? The Vanderpump Rules bad boy who always kept things interesting well he just dropped a major truth bomb. Jax has come clean about something HUGE: a two-decade long battle with cocaine addiction . And guess what? Brittany Cartwright his ex and baby mama is speaking out too. Let's get into all the details because this is a lot to unpack.
"I Am an Addict": Jax Taylor's Honest Confession About Two Decades of Struggle
Jax didn't hold back on the "Hot Mic" podcast . He straight up said "I am an addict." It is a big moment for him and for anyone who has followed his journey over the years. He explained he has been dealing with "substance issues primarily with cocaine" since he was just 23. Now at 45 that is a long time to be fighting this battle. He admitted it has been "on and off" with periods of sobriety but also times when he went "heavy on it."
Jax even acknowledged that viewers might have suspected something was up over the years watching him on Vanderpump Rules. He said People could "kind of tell that I was on something" even though he thought he was keeping it under wraps. He revealed he would use cocaine on his own time outside of filming but it clearly impacted his life and behavior.
To help stay away from cocaine Jax shared he has also given up alcohol completely. He realized for him the two went "hand in hand" he couldn't do one without the other. Jax proudly announced he is "83 days sober right now" which he said is the longest he has ever gone without either substance. That is a huge accomplishment and hopefully a turning point for him.
Brittany Cartwright's Raw Reaction: "Glad He Admitted It" But "Skeptical" About Long-Term Change
Brittany Cartwright Jax's ex-wife and mother of his son Cruz has responded to his confession and she is not holding back either. In a statement to People she said "I'm glad that he finally admitted to what was really going on." It sounds like Brittany has known about this struggle for a while and this public admission is a step in the right direction.
However Brittany's statement also reveals a lot of pain and concern. She said "For the first time I can speak openly about the extent of trauma he's instilled on our family over the years." That is a powerful statement showing the deep impact Jax's addiction has had on their lives. Brittany added she has "tried desperately to help him without success" in the past.
While she hopes Jax can "completely knock this addiction" she also admits she is "skeptical." She mentions his "behaviors are still alarming" and his current treatment plan feels like "the bare minimum." It's clear Brittany is still dealing with the fallout of Jax's actions and is cautiously optimistic but also realistic about the challenges ahead. Her main focus is navigating this for herself and their son Cruz hoping Jax will one day "be a better person for his son.”
Rehab Stints Rock Bottom and Son Cruz: Inside Jax's Journey to Sobriety
Jax opened up about his journey to sobriety which included a couple of rehab stints. He admitted the first time "didn't happen" but the second time it clicked. He realized he had a problem after a triggering incident involving Brittany's phone and another man's name where his son Cruz was in the backseat. That moment of "utter disgust" with himself made him realize he needed serious help.
He described rehab as "intense" with seven hours of therapy a day for six days a week. He said it "broke me down" but also "I got a lot out of it." He even became a mentor to others in rehab. Jax believes drugs and alcohol are not the root problem but rather a way people mask deeper issues they are too "lazy" to fix. He is now trying to address those underlying issues in therapy.
Jax also revealed he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and PTSD after entering treatment. He admitted he had self-medicated with Lexapro for depression at Brittany's urging but it actually made his anger worse. The proper diagnosis in rehab helped him understand his mental health better.
Divorce Fallout and Seeking Approval: Jax's Emotional Turmoil After Split from Brittany
Jax said his divorce from Brittany in 2024 made his addiction "worse" leading him to "lose control" and "hit rock bottom." He recognized he was taking out his anger on Brittany even though she "didn't do anything." He realized his anger issues were always there but were amplified by cocaine alcohol and Lexapro creating a "f--ing recipe for disaster."
He also confessed to some unhealthy behaviors after the separation like texting "random girls" to "float my ego" because he felt "hurt and angry." He admitted it "got really bad" when he found out Brittany was "hooking up" with his friend Julian Sensley shortly after their split. This triggered him and led to more drug and alcohol use. Jax acknowledged the "irony" given his own past infidelities in their relationship but said his "ego" was bruised.
Lala Kent and Sober Support Plus Jax's "California Sober" Approach
Jax mentioned he hasn't reached out to his former Vanderpump Rules co-star Lala Kent yet who is openly sober herself. He said "The girls are all very team Brittany right now which is understandable." He plans to reach out to Lala when he hits 100 days sober and wants to "apologize" for his past behavior during his "drug alcohol craziness."
Jax described his current sobriety as "California sober" meaning he still smokes weed to help him sleep as he prefers that over pills. He is attending therapy weekly getting drug tested and trying to be "regimented" in his life now avoiding situations that could trigger relapse. He is still making appearances at his bar Jax's but sticks to Celsius and coffee instead of alcohol.
Filming Vanderpump Rules Under the Influence: Jax Admits to On-Set Drug Use
Jax was surprisingly candid about using drugs while filming Vanderpump Rules. He said he "thought for the most part that I was keeping a lot of it under the radar. But clearly I wasn’t.” He admitted watching old episodes now he can see the signs like "How big are my f--ing pupils? I’m sweating and there’s no reason to be sweating in the scene."
He clarified that production wasn't supplying drugs but he and others would sneak off during downtime to drink or use drugs often before filming "important scenes." He said production did pull him aside a few times telling him to "calm down" suspecting he was drinking too much but not fully aware of the extent of his drug use.
"One Day at a Time": Jax's Focus on Son Cruz and Future with Brittany (or Without)
Jax emphasized his son Cruz is his "No. 1 driver" for staying sober. He wants to be a better person for his son and admitted he was worried about losing custody. He is trying to take things "one day at a time" and is focused on being present in Cruz's life. He said he is doing "everything that [Brittany's] asked for" to show her he cares and wants to be there for Cruz.
Despite these efforts Jax seems to accept that reconciliation with Brittany is unlikely. He said "Unfortunately no. It would be just a ticking time bomb" when asked about getting back together. He has moved nearby to be close to Cruz and Brittany and wants to be a supportive co-parent even if they are not together romantically. He acknowledged they still have "hiccups" but he is committed to staying sober for himself and his son.
Key Revelations from Jax Taylor's Addiction Confession:
- 20-Year Cocaine Addiction: Jax admitted to battling cocaine addiction on and off since age 23.
- 83 Days Sober: He is currently 83 days sober from both cocaine and alcohol his longest period yet.
- Brittany's Reaction: Brittany Cartwright is "glad he admitted it" but expresses skepticism and concern for their family's trauma.
- Rehab & Bipolar Diagnosis: Jax attended rehab twice and received a bipolar disorder diagnosis.
- Son Cruz as Motivation: His son Cruz is his primary motivation for staying sober and being a better person.
- California Sober: He identifies as "California sober" still using marijuana to sleep.
- No Reconciliation with Brittany: Jax believes getting back together with Brittany would be a "ticking time bomb."