Jax Taylor is an American reality television star, model and actor. He’s most well-known for his time on the Bravo reality series Vanderpump Rules and its spin-off, The Valley.
Early in his career, Jax was a background actor in many popular television shows, including Desperate Housewives and The O.C. In 2013, while working as a server at Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurants, SUR and Villa Blanca, he was approached to appear on the reality television series Vanderpump Rules. Jax was on the show for the next eight seasons, from 2013 to 2024.
Unfortunately, Jax endured a serious downward spiral in 2024. In August of that year, his wife, Brittany Cartwright, filed for divorce after 5 years of marriage. A month later, after checking into an inpatient treatment facility, the reality star announced he’d been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and bipolar disorder.
What Jax Taylor Has Publicly Shared About Addiction
During a March 4, 2025, interview on Bravo’s Hot Mic podcast, Jax got candid about his struggles with addiction. He shared, “I am an addict. I have substance issues — primarily with cocaine. It’s hard to say out loud. 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.”
The television star admitted how alcohol use was also an issue for him, saying, “[I don’t] necessarily think I have an alcohol problem, but the two go hand in hand … I can’t do cocaine without drinking. So I just gave up both.”
A few weeks later, in an interview with E!, he talked about using substances as a coping mechanism: “I will say drugs and alcohol are not the problem. The problem was I just didn’t address my mental health at all and used drugs and alcohol [to] mask it. There’s a 2-hour period where I just don’t have to think about my problems … My bipolar, my divorce, my separation, my loss of friends, the TV show, this and that. It’s just so overwhelming, so drinking and substances just helped.”
The Role of Fame and Environment in Substance Use
Jax rose to fame quickly, which brought easy access to money, parties and substances. It’s difficult to be in the entertainment industry without getting caught up in drug and alcohol use due to the prevalence of substances.
In addition to facing influence and peer pressure to use, many famous people turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with the stress celebrity brings. When you’re in the spotlight, you deal with the criticism and expectations of millions of people.
Jax’s story is common among celebrities. Numerous actors and musicians, including Elton John, Robert Downey Jr., Demi Lovato and Ben Affleck, have talked about their issues with substance use. Sometimes tragedy strikes and a fatal overdose occurs, which is what happened with Marilyn Monroe, Amy Winehouse and Matthew Perry. Fortunately, other celebrities seek help at rehab centers like Restore Mental Health.
Turning Points and Steps Toward Recovery
Jax Taylor’s first step toward healing was seeking help for his mental health challenges. His Instagram post sharing his diagnosis detailed the importance of getting answers and how hopeful he was for the future.
He wrote, “A little over a month ago, I checked into an intensive inpatient treatment facility, scared of the unknown and what I would find out about myself. After many years of knowing something was wrong but not knowing exactly what it was, I recently learned that I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and PTSD … Mental health is a lifelong battle of not letting it control you, but rather you learning to control it.”
Getting answers about his mental health led him to confront his addiction problems. Many rehabilitation centers, including Restore Mental Health, specialize in treating both substance use and mental health conditions because these issues often co-occur. According to the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 21.2 million American adults experienced both a mental illness and substance use disorder in the previous year.
The Value of Celebrity Openness in Fighting Stigma
Being in the public eye leaves a person vulnerable to criticism. So celebrities take a risk when they openly discuss their challenges or flaws, such as dealing with substance use or mental health issues.
A lot of stigma is attached to the topics of addiction and mental health. When famous people like Jax openly discuss these issues, it helps break down barriers and lessen that stigma. It also spreads the message of how addiction issues can happen to anyone and recovery is possible.
In particular, his story highlights the importance of seeking professional help. When he finally prioritized his mental health, he was able to get the treatment and support needed to become sober. Jax Taylor’s journey and openness can inspire other people to question their own behavior regarding substance use and seek help.
What We Can Learn About Relapse, Pressure and Change
Recovery is a journey, and the Bravo reality star has been very candid about what he’s learned so far. In his interview with E!, Jax shared how he’s done: “There’s a lot of pressure, and I’ve been doing very, very well. I’m in therapy, and I go to [Alcoholics Anonymous] four times a week. I have a great sponsor. I have a great life coach.” Jax also credits his young son with inspiring him to get help and seek sobriety.
Jax’s journey is a reminder that addiction doesn’t discriminate; it can happen to anyone, no matter their level of success. In fact, the pressures associated with fame can even bring a higher risk of substance abuse.
No matter how severe an addiction seems, though, recovery is always possible. It’s never too late to change and grow, and entering a professional rehabilitation program can be one of the safest ways to address an addiction problem. The comprehensive treatment options available can also help a person reduce their chance of relapse.
Get the Support you Need With Restore
At Restore Mental Health, we offer different levels of care and evidence-based treatment programs to meet the unique needs of the individual seeking help. If you’re ready to begin your recovery journey, contact us today to learn more about our programs.
