Chrisley Knows Best’s Chase opens up about ‘darkest time’ filming the show, reveals nearly 6 months sober

Chase Chrisley is opening up about the darkest chapter of his life while filming Chrisley Knows Best. The reality star revealed on his sister Savannah’s podcast that he nearly didn’t survive his addiction struggle. Chase is now nearly six months sober after checking into rehab last July, marking a major turning point in his recovery journey.

Chase Confronts His ‘Darkest Time’ on Film

Chase Chrisley has been remarkably candid about what he experienced while the cameras rolled on Chrisley Knows Best. During an appearance on his sister Savannah Chrisley‘s Unlocked podcast on December 30, 2025, he described a ‘really, really dark time’ that caught up with him during filming.

The Chrisley family star admitted he looked “like garbage” and had become extremely thin. Savannah didn’t hold back, saying it was “heartbreaking” to watch her brother disappear into himself. Chase revealed he was in such a dark place mentally that he was preparing for his parents to receive a phone call telling them he had died.

The pressure-cooker environment surrounding the family at that time intensified his struggle. Chase turned to substances to escape the overwhelming emotions he couldn’t face. He was honest about what his mind was doing—preparing for the worst possible outcome because he genuinely didn’t believe he would survive.

Substance Abuse as an Escape From Family Trauma

After Todd and Julie Chrisley were sent to prison in 2023, Chase found himself spiraling. He explained that using substances became his primary coping mechanism when life felt unbearable. Chase said during the podcast appearance, “I would rather feel nothing than feel like the pain that I was feeling.”

The reality star revealed he didn’t have a “craving” for alcohol in the traditional sense. Instead, he described it as having “no off switch.” Once he started drinking, he couldn’t stop. Chase acknowledged he either became “really happy or a monster” when using substances, making his behavior unpredictable and damaging to his relationships.

Chase also admitted he wasn’t trying to be selfish during that period, but the substances transformed him into a completely different person. He became someone he didn’t recognize or respect. The guilt of his actions weighed heavily on him, especially knowing he was destroying himself and hurting the people who loved him.

The Breaking Point and Path to Recovery

Recovery Milestone	Details
Rehab Entry Date	End of July 2025
Sobriety Status (Early January 2026)	Nearly 6 months sober
Mental State Now	Best spot mentally and emotionally
Primary Support Activity	Therapy and gym sessions with father Todd

Chase underwent extensive therapy during his treatment and described a pivotal breakthrough moment. After allowing himself to slow down and process everything, he broke down sobbing. He grieved what he’d done, how far he’d drifted from his true self, and the relationships he’d damaged. Chase said he was “just sobbing. I don’t know how anyone else is gonna forgive me.”

What makes his recovery story powerful is his perspective on timing. Chase expressed deep gratitude that he learned these critical lessons in his 20s. He acknowledged that “if I would have kept on the way I was going, I would have been dead.” This realization became the foundation for his commitment to lasting change.

Building a New Life Without Toxic Patterns

Chase Chrisley is taking concrete steps to protect his sobriety. He’s removed himself from the same social circles and people who enabled his destructive behavior. Now he spends his time at home with family or engaging in healthier activities like working out with his father.

The star emphasized he’s not claiming to have everything figured out. Chase told listeners, “I still got a long way to go to get my s*** all the way back together.” However, he made a crucial point: “It’s just not an option” to return to his old ways. Sobriety isn’t negotiable anymore—it’s non-negotiable.

Chase has been working through his self-identity separate from material possessions, relationships, or substances. “I’m actually figuring [it] out within myself,” he explained. This shift from external validation to internal healing marks real progress in his recovery journey.

What Does Chase Chrisley’s Recovery Mean for His Family?

The Chrisley Knows Best star’s openness about his addiction struggle sends a powerful message. Savannah Chrisley highlighted an important point during their podcast conversation—people focus sympathy on the person struggling but often overlook what family members endure watching someone they love suffer.

Chase‘s honesty is helping break down stigma around addiction and recovery. He’s showing that getting help isn’t weakness—it’s taking back control of your life. With his parents out of prison and his own recovery underway, the Chrisley family appears to be entering a healthier chapter together.