Bravo's Hot Mic: Jax Taylor Talks Drug Addiction, Sobriety, Divorce, and More

Episode Release Date: March 4, 2025
Host: Alex Baskin
Guest: Jax Taylor

Introduction

In this deeply personal and candid episode of Bravo's Hot Mic, host Alex Baskin sits down with Jax Taylor for his third appearance on the podcast. This episode marks a significant moment as Jax opens up about his long-standing battle with addiction, his journey towards sobriety, and the tumultuous end of his marriage. The conversation delves into the complexities of his struggles, providing listeners with an unfiltered look into Jax's life beyond the reality TV persona.

Admission of Addiction and Sobriety Journey

Jax begins by revealing his struggle with substance abuse, primarily cocaine, which he's battled intermittently since the age of 23. He openly acknowledges his addiction, stating:

Jax Taylor [00:26]: "I am an addict. I have substance issues, primarily with cocaine... I'm 45, so give or take, I've been on and off since I was 23."

He proudly shares his current milestone of being 83 days sober, emphasizing the positive impact of his sobriety:

Jax Taylor [02:25]: "I’m proud to say I’m 82, 83 days sober right now... it feels really, really good."

Rehabilitation Experiences

Jax discusses his experiences with rehab, highlighting two separate stints. The first was a 30-day stay where he underwent intensive therapy but ultimately left early, staying only 17 days:

Jax Taylor [06:15]: "I ended up staying 17 days. I felt like, for me, that was enough... I was ready to go."

The second stay was more structured, with less personal freedom, which played a crucial role in his recovery. He reflects on the difference between the two experiences:

Jax Taylor [14:29]: "The second time around... we are going to talk to the therapist every day... do it our way."

He admits that leaving the second rehab early led to a relapse, underscoring the importance of commitment in the recovery process.

Impact on Personal Life and Divorce

Jax candidly discusses the impact of his addiction on his marriage, leading to separation and divorce. He explains how his substance abuse exacerbated tensions between him and his wife, Brittany:

Jax Taylor [03:35]: "This year was probably the hardest year of my life... I'm going through a divorce right now, which is extremely difficult."

The strain on his relationship is palpable as he describes living in a state of constant conflict and how addiction led him to lose control, ultimately necessitating another rehab intervention.

Accountability and Ongoing Recovery

Accountability plays a significant role in Jax's recovery. He has instituted strict measures to ensure he remains sober, including:

• Weekly drug testing:

  Jax Taylor [21:01]: "I am drug tested every week. I want to be drug tested every Monday."

• Therapy sessions:

  Jax Taylor [21:01]: "I check in with a therapist once a week. I go to therapy on Mondays."

• Involving his support network:

  Jax Taylor [21:59]: "It’s accountability."

These steps are crucial for Jax, as he acknowledges his history of getting away with behavior due to his public persona and the lack of consequences in the past:

Jax Taylor [22:00]: "I've been put on a pedestal. I'm the golden child in my family."

Relationship with Brittany

The episode delves into Jax's complex relationship with his ex-wife, Brittany. He describes their interactions post-separation as fraught with unpredictability and ongoing tension. Despite their differences, Jax expresses a deep respect and love for Brittany, acknowledging the challenges they faced together:

Jax Taylor [26:25]: "I think she knows that I am a good person. I think down very, very, very, very deep."

He grapples with walking on eggshells to maintain peace and expresses a desire to be present in their son's life while acknowledging that rekindling their relationship is unlikely:

Jax Taylor [27:44]: "We have a great 10 years together... our time is up."

Overcoming Ego and Insecurity

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Jax's battle with ego and insecurity, which have driven much of his self-destructive behavior. He uses an analogy of a hose with multiple holes to illustrate how substances masked deeper issues:

Jax Taylor [28:19]: "I'm a very insecure human being... I'm constantly seeking approval from other people."

Jax reveals his struggle with seeking validation and how it led him to engage in reckless behavior, especially after discovering Brittany's infidelity:

Jax Taylor [30:09]: "I'm constantly looking for approval. I have a hard time just sitting in my own skin."

He recognizes the need for ongoing therapy to address these ingrained issues, emphasizing that there's no quick fix like medication for these problems.

Forward Steps and Advice

Jax outlines his plans for maintaining sobriety and personal growth. He focuses on:

• Continued Therapy:

  Jax Taylor [21:01]: "I go to therapy once a week... maybe start outpatient."

• Building a Support Network:

  Jax Taylor [39:51]: "I lean on Jason a lot... I have a friend, JM, he's sober."

• Using Public Platforms for Advocacy:

  Jax Taylor [42:30]: "I'm turning appearances into talks about mental health and sobriety."

He expresses a desire to help others by sharing his story, particularly emphasizing men's mental health:

Jax Taylor [46:15]: "If I can help out one person... you’re going to get an authentic Jax Taylor."

Conclusion

In closing, Jax Taylor implores listeners to approach his situation with patience and understanding. He emphasizes the authenticity of his struggles and the real consequences he's facing, contrasting it with the often-curated narratives seen on reality TV:

Jax Taylor [47:18]: "This is real life. This is real consequences. This is real emotions."

Jax expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share his story and hopes that his openness can inspire others to seek help:

Jax Taylor [49:00]: "I appreciate it. Thank you."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Admission of Addiction:

  Jax Taylor [00:26]: "I am an addict. I have substance issues, primarily with cocaine."

• Sobriety Milestone:

  Jax Taylor [02:25]: "It feels really, really good."

• Rehab Reflection:

  Jax Taylor [06:15]: "I felt like, for me, that was enough... I was ready to go."

• Accountability Measures:

  Jax Taylor [21:59]: "It’s accountability."

• Desire to Help Others:

  Jax Taylor [46:15]: "If I can help out one person... you’re going to get an authentic Jax Taylor."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Bravo's Hot Mic offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into Jax Taylor's ongoing battle with addiction and his path towards redemption. His honesty serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced behind the scenes of reality television and underscores the importance of mental health and accountability.

For those unfamiliar with Jax Taylor's journey, this episode provides a comprehensive understanding of his personal challenges and the steps he's taking to overcome them. It's a testament to his resilience and a call to action for greater empathy and support for those battling addiction.

For more insights and detailed discussions from this episode, tune into Bravo's Hot Mic on Bravo TV's website.