Chase Chrisley Opens Up About Arduous Sobriety Journey: “I Was Knocking on Death’s Doorstep”

In a recent interview on the “Locked In” podcast, reality TV star Chase Chrisley moved audiences by candidly sharing for the first time his silent battle with substance abuse, deep-seated psychological trauma, and his journey to finding sobriety.

“I Couldn’t Bear to Look in the Mirror”

Opening the conversation, Chase Chrisley did not hesitate to admit to the darkest period of his life—his “rock bottom.” It was a time when both his family and friends were incredibly worried about his condition.

“It got to a point where it was really tough to look in the mirror,” Chase confessed. He described himself as acting completely out of character during that time.

His physical appearance deteriorated severely due to chronic insomnia and substance abuse. “I looked like I was knocking on death’s doorstep,” Chase recalled of his image at his weakest moment.

However, what pained him more than the physical damage was the overwhelming sense of guilt. Chase shared: “I knew I was letting my parents down, but worse, I was letting myself down and everyone who cared about me. That is a terrible feeling that I still feel bad about to this day.”

A Second Chance from God and the Decision to Enter Rehab

Unlike many cases where individuals are forced into rehabilitation, Chase made the decision himself. The motivation for change appeared when he viewed events happening to his family and himself as a spiritual sign.

“I thought this was God giving me a second chance. I needed to make the most of it,” he said. The sheer exhaustion of his old lifestyle compelled him to voluntarily enter a treatment center for 30 days. “I was just exhausted. I was ready to hang it up.”

Facing the “Ghosts” of the Past

At the rehab center, Chase underwent intensive therapy—something he had previously vehemently opposed because he didn’t believe in it. However, this process helped him realize a painful truth: Alcohol and substances were merely tools he used to escape reality.

Chase revealed: “I had a lot of issues and things that happened from all the way back in my childhood. Instead of dealing with them, I would bury them deep and use drinking to cope. Only when I talked through everything and got to the root of the problems did I understand why I was acting that way.”

Untying these psychological knots (trauma) from the past opened his eyes. He realized that he could have a beautiful life without needing intoxication to mask the pain.

Finding the Light Again

Chase noted that the first week in rehab was a major challenge, but by the second and third weeks, he began to feel a distinct shift. A sense of safety, stability, and sobriety gradually returned.

Now, looking back on the journey he has traversed, Chase Chrisley makes no secret of his pride: “The turn I’ve made and continuing to stay sober is something to be proud of. I hope my story will inspire others.”

Chase Chrisley’s story is proof that no matter how deep the darkness, by daring to face past pain and accepting help, anyone can find their way back to the light.