James Kennedy hasn't shied away from discussing his successes — and his failures — in his journey to sobriety

Kennedy was introduced to Bravo viewers when he joined Vanderpump's rule In 2015. After starting as a busser at Lisa Vanderpump's restaurant SUR, Kennedy quickly gained Lots of drama involved on the screen

Kennedy was often out with his costars - from a troubled relationship with Kristen Doubt In his dispute with Jax Taylor And questionable comments about numerous costars — and his relationship with alcohol — didn't help. After Vanderpump fired Kennedy several times, he tried to address his substance abuse problems.

In July 2020, Kennedy announced that he had celebrated A year of peace. The professional DJ later admitted that he was "California sober" because marijuana helped him stop using alcohol.

"It helped me quit alcohol for good, you know what I mean? I'll quit weed when the time comes," he told Watch. What happened to Andy Cohen? In October 2021. “I don't think I should resign right now, you know? No use.”

Kennedy added: "It doesn't hurt me. It doesn't affect my life negatively. So, why quit?"

after that high-profile split from Rachel "Raquel" LewisKennedy confirmed that he had started drinking again, saying in a February 2023 episode Vanderpump's rule"I've learned a lot from not drinking these two years."

Kennedy considered giving up alcohol after meeting his now-girlfriend Ally Leuber. before of season 11 Vanderpump's rule Beginning to air in January 2024, Luber said in an interview with Bravo that Kennedy had "changed the most" over the years.

"James, he's in therapy, he's sober, I'm really proud of him," she said the same month.

Kennedy addressed his sobriety after being arrested for domestic violence in December 2024. "I am committed to making meaningful changes in my life," she wrote via Instagram Story. "I'm taking time off to focus on my sobriety, personal growth and being there for my loved ones."

Charges against Kennedy were dropped a month later, and Luber confirmed their separation that same month.

"I'm glad prosecutors decided not to prosecute James, because I never wanted criminal charges," Luber wrote via his Instagram Story, explaining that he was "physically injured" when he and Kennedy "argued" at his home in December 2024. Not done."

She added: "We are no longer together, but I will always support James and wish him well in his sobriety and healing."

Read on to see Kennedy's clear words about moderation:

Quit drinking

Kennedy said exclusively our weekly about Benefits of calming downAugust 2019 shared, “I'm 10 weeks (sober) this Friday. It's been really good. Everything is beautiful. I am focusing on my sobriety and it is going really well. ... (My) music has been very good lately. I was not delayed in st."

make a change

“Hey everyone just wanted to let you all know that I completed my one year today. Quitting drinking was the best decision I ever made and I'm going strong. I don't miss the booze …… I don't miss the feeling …. I am so grateful for everything now and life has become more beautiful in so many ways,” Kennedy captioned an Instagram post in July 2020. “Thank you to my rock @Rachelevis for getting me here I couldn't have done it without you my love. ♥️ And thank you all for your support this past year."

He is proud of the steps he has taken

Ahead of his two-year anniversary, Kennedy reflected on lessons learned while maintaining his sobriety.

“It's gratitude. It's a feeling of gratitude for my sobriety. I wake up every day and thank God that I got this,” he said And! the news In May 2021. “My life has been so much better since I quit drinking. I'm never hungry, I'm able to focus a lot more on my music. My relationships and friendships are excellent. When I see these amazing things happening before my eyes, why would I want to go back?"

Kennedy admitted that he had to cope "Miss out" feeling Adding, “I got it, the first six months I was still struggling with the whole, 'Well, everyone else is going out and having fun but I'm not.' When I got over that hump and I realized I could have more fun than everyone else drinking."

He concluded: "It was like a lightbulb went off in my head and it's an amazing thing. Like now I walk into a room where people are drinking everywhere and I'm so happy - KING I'm not happy, you know? I'm just so grateful and I feel great about it. I can still be the life of the party, I can still be my charismatic self and I still chat more than most people drink, they just drink to chat more Didn't need to and I never realized I didn't need alcohol until I gave it up. So being able to stay sober is thankfully the easiest part of it."

Trying California moderation

According to Kennedy, being "California cool" meant he still smoked marijuana and used edibles every day.

“It's wild and it's a blessing. I thank God every day for my sobriety, honestly,” he said WWHL In October 2021. “Giving up alcohol was the best decision I ever made, thank you (Raquel). … It's just amazing to the king. I don't wake up every morning, just ready for life. And I know it sounds cliché, but it's really good."

A reflection of his decision

In December 2021, Kennedy and Lewis announced their separation after five years of dating. Kennedy discusses his relationship with Lewis The time of filming affected his life The season 9 reunion, which aired a month later.

"It's not a product of my life, Tom. It's a product of truth. The second said, 'We're not soulmates.' "For me, it was af-king enlightenment. I realized we loved each other. He made his decision. It was never easy," he said Tom Sandoval. "Even becoming a man who quit drinking and changed his whole f-king lifestyle for this relationship (wasn't enough). It wasn't enough. I still have these anger issues and I'll never do it again."

Walking His Choice Back

“After two and a half years of not drinking, I decided to drink again, have a few drinks. After Raquel left, I thought I was getting married, I was engaged, you know what I mean? "After everything I've done to better myself, it still obviously wasn't enough," Kennedy said during the season 10 premiere. Vanderpump's rulewhich aired in January 2023. “And frankly, it was the year of a new king. It was 2022, you know, what am I doing? I'm King James Kennedy. Like, let me live."

In a separate conversation with Lewis, Kennedy said he was relieved because of her, adding, "If I quit again, it will be for me next time and not a relationship ultimatum."

Starting fresh

"I'm not drinking. Just Red Bulls and fizzy water. I'm meditating every day. I don't think I'll ever drink again," Kennedy revealed in the season 11 premiere, which airs in January 2023. It's 100% my decision. Technically I'm still California sober. . It just makes my day.”

make a change

"Obviously, when the Tom and Raquel thing happened, a lot of emotions flowed. Mitra and I were fighting a lot. Especially when I'd get drunk," Kennedy recalled of Vanderpump Rules in February 2024, which led to his sobriety. "Then He went and stayed at his friend's house for two nights. I was very upset because it was empty and I didn't have the energy to get him back I was willing to do anything at that point.”

He added: "The last time I quit drinking, it was for a relationship. I quit drinking for two and a half years and then decided, 'F—k it.' This time, I'm doing it for myself. Because I'm doing it for myself, it's going to make my life better, my relationships better, and my career better. I've seen these benefits before, and I definitely do I want to see it again."

Focus on yourself

"Challenging moments are not easy to navigate but I am determined to learn, grow and move forward with an incredible support system around me," Kennedy wrote via Instagram.

Kennedy's legal team released a statement on his behalf after news of his arrest hit the headlines.

"We are in the process of conducting our own investigation into the charges brought against James by the Burbank Police Department," his attorneys said in a statement to Us after he was released on $20,000 bail. "We understand there were no injuries and we expect that, after careful review, the city's attorneys will decide not to file formal charges."