Jax Taylor Opens Up About His Conservative Upbringing and Struggles with Addiction
Vanderpump Rules star Jax Taylor recently reflected on how his upbringing influenced his views on intimacy and relationships. Growing up in a conservative household, Taylor shared that discussions about sex were virtually nonexistent in his community. As a result, he described himself as a late bloomer, revealing that he didn’t lose his virginity until he was 19—significantly later than most of his peers. Taylor admitted that his father never had the “sex talk” with him, further shaping his reserved approach to the subject.
On the March 20, 2025, episode of his In the Mind of a Man podcast, Taylor sat down with sex therapist Dr. Emily Morse to delve deeper into his experiences. Comparing his childhood neighborhood to the idyllic setting of Leave It to Beaver, he described an environment where people felt safe enough to leave their doors unlocked. However, his high school years painted a stark contrast, which he likened to the wild antics of the 1999 comedy American Pie. This period, he noted, helped him grow more comfortable with intimacy over time.
Taylor Reflects on Addiction and Dating Challenges
During their discussion, Taylor also opened up about his history of substance abuse and how it impacted his relationships. He revealed that drugs once gave him an overwhelming sense of confidence on dates, making him feel invincible and the life of the party. However, now that he is sober, he worries that he may not be as engaging or interesting to potential partners. This shift has led him to take a more cautious approach to dating, often feeling anxious when meeting new people.
Taylor Admits to Past Sex Addiction
In another revealing conversation on the March 19, 2025, episode of PodcastOne’s The Adam and Dr. Drew Show, Taylor acknowledged that his struggles extended beyond drugs and alcohol. The Valley star admitted that he also battled sex addiction in the past. While he is currently prioritizing his recovery from substance abuse, he remains open to addressing his issues with sex addiction in the future, stating, “Maybe we’ll branch into that later.”
Taylor further explained that his substance abuse was merely a coping mechanism for deeper, unresolved emotional pain. He clarified that he doesn’t see himself as specifically addicted to alcohol but believes that all of his vices were interconnected.
Reflecting on his experiences, Taylor described the cycle he found himself trapped in: emotional struggles would push him toward alcohol, which in turn would lead him to seek out drugs. This pattern repeated itself, ultimately leaving him feeling worse—both physically and emotionally. “I’ve had a lot of trauma in my life,” he admitted. Instead of seeking professional help, he turned to substances to numb the pain, only to be left with lingering regret and deeper struggles.
Where to Watch
Fans of Vanderpump Rules and The Valley can catch all seasons streaming on Peacock. The upcoming 12th season of Vanderpump Rules is set to premiere in 2025 with an all-new cast, though an official release date has yet to be announced.
