Chase Chrisley Opens Up About His Struggles: From Dark Times to Sobriety and Healing

Chase Chrisley, the fun-loving and sometimes mischievous star of Chrisley Knows Best, is known for his cheeky sense of humor and infectious personality. But in a recent candid conversation on his sister Savannah’s Unlocked podcast, Chase revealed a side of him that fans rarely see—a side that’s raw, vulnerable, and incredibly honest. In this eye-opening discussion, Chase opened up about a deeply painful and “really dark time” in his life, where he felt emotionally broken and feared he might not make it out alive.

A Dark and Desperate Time

Chase reflected on a period in his life where everything seemed to spiral out of control. During the height of his struggles, he admitted that he looked “like garbage” and felt emotionally shut down. “I was either really happy or a monster,” he confessed, describing the erratic swings he experienced. It was during this time that Chase revealed he was battling addiction, using alcohol as a coping mechanism to numb the overwhelming pressure of life and filming.

His sister Savannah, who was deeply affected by what she saw, described how Chase had become so thin that his clothes were falling off, and she admitted how heartbreaking it was to witness. The pressure of filming a reality show, combined with the intense dynamics within the Chrisley family, took a toll on Chase’s mental and physical health. “It got to a point where I was preparing for the phone call telling our parents I’d died,” Chase recalled.

The truth behind the glossy facade of reality TV is often hidden, and Chase’s openness about what was happening behind the scenes gives a sobering perspective. While the show portrayed constant chaos and humor, it was clear that Chase was enduring his own personal turmoil.

Addiction, Selfishness, and the Ripple Effect

Chase didn’t sugarcoat his actions during this dark chapter of his life. He acknowledged that while he has a “good heart,” the substances he was using transformed him into a person he didn’t recognize. “I was very selfish,” he admitted. This period wasn’t just painful for Chase; it also had a profound impact on his family, especially Savannah. She spoke of how addiction often draws sympathy for the person struggling, but it’s easy to overlook the emotional toll on family members who live in fear and chaos.

Chase also described his relationship with alcohol as more of an “all or nothing” situation. Once he started drinking, he couldn’t stop, which only fueled his downward spiral. “It wasn’t about craving, it was about not having an off switch,” he explained. He also credited his sister with being an emotional support system throughout this time, as Savannah helped him face the difficult reality of his addiction and its effect on those closest to him.

Therapy, Sobriety, and Healing

Chase shared a deeply emotional moment in the podcast when he described what happened after he began to slow down and face his demons. “I went to a lot of therapy,” he said, revealing the turning point when he broke down and finally grieved the damage he had done to himself and those around him. That moment was a pivotal wake-up call for Chase, one he’s grateful to have experienced in his twenties, rather than later in life. Had he continued on the same path, he believes he would have been dead by now.

Chase’s decision to seek help wasn’t easy, but it marked the beginning of his journey to recovery. In July 2025, he entered rehab, and by January 2026, he proudly described himself as “right at” nearly six months of sobriety. The road to recovery hasn’t been easy, but Chase credits his commitment to sobriety as a non-negotiable part of his life now. He’s focused on rebuilding his life, one day at a time.

A New Focus: Family, Routine, and a Healthier Life

Now, Chase is making significant changes to his lifestyle. The focus has shifted away from nightlife and partying to spending more time at home and nurturing a healthier, more balanced routine. “I’m changing my circle,” he shared, acknowledging that the people and patterns that once kept him stuck are no longer a part of his life. Instead, he’s leaning into family time and staying busy with activities that support his sobriety.

He’s also found support in his father, Todd Chrisley, with whom he now spends time working out at the gym. The bond between father and son has strengthened, and Todd’s presence has been a positive influence on Chase’s journey. However, Chase is clear that while he’s proud of the progress he’s made, he’s not pretending everything is magically fixed. “I’m still rebuilding,” he said. But for the first time in a long while, sobriety is his top priority, and it’s no longer optional.

Looking Ahead: A Long Road to Recovery

Chase is still on his road to healing, but the progress he’s made in just a short period is remarkable. He continues to embrace therapy, family support, and a focus on healthy habits as part of his journey. There’s a long road ahead, but Chase is determined to keep moving forward, and he’s thankful that he caught himself before it was too late.

Chase Chrisley’s story isn’t just one of addiction and recovery; it’s about resilience, accountability, and the power of family. By sharing his struggles openly, he’s giving others the courage to confront their own challenges. And while the journey isn’t over, Chase is proving that one step at a time, he can rebuild his life—and find hope in even the darkest of times