James Kennedy has openly shared his journey with sobriety, detailing the highs and lows he has experienced since first announcing his decision to quit drinking in July 2020 and later adopting a “California sober” lifestyle by continuing to use marijuana. Despite a brief return to drinking following a breakup, Kennedy has emphasized the importance of sobriety for his personal growth and relationships, ultimately deciding to pursue sobriety for himself rather than as a condition of a relationship.
James Kennedy openly discusses the challenges and triumphs of his sobriety journey, including periods of relapse and the impact of his relationships and career, while embracing a “California sober” approach but ultimately striving for personal growth and betterment.
James Kennedy’s journey through sobriety has been a rollercoaster, full of highs and lows. He’s been open about it all.
When he first appeared on “Vanderpump Rules” in 2015, drama seemed to follow him. Whether it was his rocky relationship with Kristen Doute or his feuds with Jax Taylor, Kennedy was often in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. And his struggle with alcohol didn’t help matters.
After being fired multiple times by Lisa Vanderpump, he knew something had to change. So, he took a hard look at his substance abuse issues. By July 2020, Kennedy was celebrating a full year of sobriety. He found that marijuana helped him steer clear of alcohol, dubbing himself “California sober.”
But life throws curveballs. Following his breakup with Rachel “Raquel” Leviss, Kennedy found himself drinking again. He shared on “Vanderpump Rules” that those two years of sobriety taught him a lot, though.
Meeting Ally Lewber seemed to turn things around for Kennedy. Before the eleventh season aired, Lewber praised Kennedy’s progress, noting his sobriety and therapy efforts.
Kennedy’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. He credits Alcoholics Anonymous for helping him navigate the rough patches. Nearly nine months sober at one point, he felt like a new man, focused on improving his life and his relationships.
Celebrating his one-year sobriety milestone, Kennedy expressed his gratitude on Instagram. He thanked his supporters and especially Raquel Leviss for being his rock.
Reflecting on his sobriety, Kennedy shared with E! News the sense of gratitude he feels every day. Sobriety has improved his life in countless ways, from his music to his relationships.
Despite feeling like he was missing out at times, Kennedy realized he could still enjoy life without alcohol. It was an eye-opening moment for him.
Trying “California sobriety,” Kennedy continued to smoke marijuana. He felt blessed and thankful for his sobriety, amazed by how good life felt without hangovers.
However, after splitting with Leviss, Kennedy faced a tough realization. He had changed his life for their relationship, but it still wasn’t enough. This led him to reconsider his approach to sobriety.
After a brief return to drinking, Kennedy decided to get sober again, this time for himself. He emphasized the importance of making this choice for his well-being, not as an ultimatum from someone else.
Kennedy’s journey is a testament to the power of personal growth and the importance of making changes for oneself. His story is a reminder that while the path to sobriety can be challenging, it’s also filled with moments of clarity and profound change.
