‘The Hills’ star Jason Wahler talks sobriety journey and why he doesn’t blame

Jason Wahler has been sober for the better part of his adult life but his journey with addiction has been anything but a straight line.

The 34-year-old was first featured on the reality TV show “The Hills” in 2006 and later returned for its reboot in 2019. He was open on the revived series “New Beginnings” about how he relapsed in 2018 and 2020 and what motivates him every day to stay sober.

Wahler spoke to Fox News in honor of September being National Recovery Month and the long road he’s taken to reclaiming his life. 

ONE DIRECTION ALUM LIAM PAYNE TALKS ADDICTION, SUICIDAL IDEATION DURING BOY BAND FAME

Fox News: What do you think the biggest misconception about recovery is?

Jason Wahler: I think the biggest misconception about recovery is people don’t think that you have a life when you attain sobriety. Most most people look at being sober like it’s boring or somber but it’s not. I have gotten to know my genuine, authentic self through recovery. I’ve been able to find a purpose. I’ve been able to find what I truly love in life. I was so blinded by alcohol and drugs. It robbed me for so many years of getting to know myself and it took me to a very dark place.

Jason Wahler said he doesn’t blame reality TV fame for his addiction issues. 
(Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Janie’s Fund)

FN: Looking back to when you were in the throes of addiction, was there anything anybody could have done to help you?

Wahler: I was 18, 19, 20 years old. I think everything that my parents could have done, that family could have done… they did everything they possibly could. But I think I had to go through the motions of [addiction]. But today with all the education and knowledge out there, I think [my family] would have been much better equipped on how to approach or deal with me when it came to setting boundaries or how to even approach somebody with addiction. There’s not one person out there in the country that does not know somebody that is struggling with addiction or mental health.

KELLY OSBOURNE SAYS PRESCRIBED VICODIN SPIRALED INTO HEROIN ADDICTION

I don’t blame the shows or anything for my addiction. It was all there before. I think it definitely added fuel to the fire. I mean, being such a young age and making a lot of money and again, having access and having a lot of leeway with stuff… it added fuel to the fire but I don’t blame the shows. 

I’m grateful that it happened at a young age and I was a lot more aware and attentive. I mean, look what it’s brought me to today and look at the work I get to do and look at the people I get to connect with.

FN: You’ve been on a sober journey for over a decade. What new things are you discovering every day about yourself? 

Wahler: Something that I still struggle with sometimes is giving myself grace. Just because you’re sober doesn’t mean that everything becomes perfect. I think it’s still just navigating life as it comes at you and looking at the areas to improve. Something that I do like on a daily basis at the end of my day is look at my defects of character. Look where I went wrong. I identify the areas that I did really well and make amends where I need to make amends. But that way I prepare…