Chase Chrisley, the beloved yet often mischievous son from Chrisley Knows Best, has revealed a side of his life that fans have never fully seen—a harrowing chapter marked

by addiction, fear, and near-death experiences. While audiences have followed the Chrisley family for over a decade, enjoying their luxury, wit, and charm on-screen,

behind the cameras, Chase faced battles that almost consumed him. In an emotional and candid interview on his sister Savannah Chrisley’s Unlocked podcast,

Chase opened up about the darkest period of his life, offering an unfiltered account of his struggle with alcohol and the profound fear that accompanied it.

For years, Chase played the role audiences expected of him: the charming, witty, and confident son, quick with a joke and seemingly untouched by the chaos surrounding his family’s legal troubles. Designer clothes, luxury cars, and a picture-perfect family life masked the reality of the internal turmoil he faced. Yet as the Chrisleys navigated Todd and Julie Chrisley’s prison sentences, Chase found himself grappling with his own demons. What viewers didn’t see—what few could imagine—was just how close he came to losing everything, including his life.

The Hidden Struggle Behind the Cameras

Chase’s struggle with addiction is not new, but what he revealed during the podcast offered unprecedented insight into his experience. During the filming of the show, he admitted that he was far from sober. Alcohol and substances pushed his mental and physical health to dangerous extremes. He described the period as his lowest point, saying, “I didn’t recognize myself anymore… There were nights I honestly didn’t know if I was going to wake up the next morning.”

Even routine health issues, such as stomach pains and fatigue that viewers occasionally noticed on-screen, were intensified by his substance abuse. “I wasn’t just drinking casually,” Chase admitted. “Once I started, I couldn’t stop. Alcohol brought out two sides of me—one carefree, one destructive. I became selfish without realizing it, hurting the people around me.” Therapy eventually helped him confront the consequences of his actions, and he began to recognize the need for change.

A Turning Point: Seeking Help and Sobriety

Chase’s path to recovery began with a difficult but crucial decision: checking into rehab. This was showcased on the season finale of Back to Reality, the family’s recent reality spin-off, in September. At the time, the family was already under intense public pressure. Todd and Julie were serving prison sentences, the Chrisley household was in upheaval, and Chase himself was quietly struggling behind the scenes.

With guidance from his father, Todd Chrisley, and the support of his sister Savannah, Chase confronted his addiction head-on. Todd, often larger than life on-screen, offered a fatherly perspective that cut through the chaos: addiction did not have to define his future. “When he looked at me, not as a TV character but as his son, that changed everything,” Chase recalled. Savannah, Julie, and even difficult family conversations played crucial roles in helping him realize that change was possible—but only if he committed to it fully.

The Fear That Changed Everything

Perhaps the most shocking revelation Chase shared was the depth of fear he felt during this period. The reality star admitted that there were moments he truly believed he might die. Anxiety, panic, and guilt consumed him, blurring the line between reality and despair. “I remember lying there thinking, ‘This is it. This is how it ends,’” he said. “The fear of death wasn’t dramatic or exaggerated—it was visceral. It followed me into sleepless nights and lonely mornings. I realized if I didn’t change, my story could end tragically.”

Chase’s fear was compounded by the pressures of growing up as a Chrisley. With fame and public scrutiny arriving early, he was constantly under a microscope. The expectation to be charming, funny, and perfect—both on and off camera—became a weight too heavy to carry alone. The coping mechanisms he adopted, initially meant to provide escape, slowly spiraled into self-destructive behaviors. Surrounded by privilege and opportunity, he convinced himself he was fine, but his body and mind were sending urgent warnings.

Acknowledging the Pain, Finding Strength

The turning point for Chase was not marked by a public scandal or dramatic on-screen incident. Instead, it came quietly—through recognition and vulnerability. He admitted that he had been surviving, not living, for months. Guilt over worrying his family, guilt over hiding behind humor, and guilt over not being the strong person everyone expected weighed heavily on him. Admitting vulnerability felt like failure, especially in a family celebrated for strength and resilience. Yet confronting that fear ultimately became the catalyst for his transformation.

Chase now emphasizes that recovery is not a linear process. He has faced setbacks, moments of doubt, and lingering fears, but he also discovered hope. Through therapy, accountability, and the unwavering support of family, he rebuilt a foundation that prioritizes mental health, self-awareness, and honest reflection. “I thought being a Chrisley meant I had to be untouchable,” he said. “But the truth is, we’re all human. The fear of death I once felt has transformed into motivation to live fully and authentically.”

A Message for Those Struggling

Chase hopes that by sharing his story, others struggling with addiction or mental health challenges will recognize themselves and feel empowered to seek help. “If you’re scared, if you feel like you’re losing control, please talk to someone,” he urged. His experience serves as a powerful reminder that even those who seem to have it all—wealth, fame, family—can fight silent battles. Survival, in itself, is a victory. Chase’s journey underscores that acknowledging fear and asking for help is not weakness but courage.

From On-Screen Charm to Real-Life Resilience

For fans who have followed Chase since the early days of Chrisley Knows Best, this revelation is both shocking and inspiring. The charming, mischievous son who entertained audiences for years has now shown an entirely new layer: vulnerability, authenticity, and resilience. While the show captured laughter, luxury, and drama, the most profound story—the one of survival, fear, and redemption—played out off-screen.

Chase Chrisley’s journey illustrates the human side of reality television. It reminds audiences that behind every camera-ready smile can be a story of struggle, and that courage is often found not in scripted moments, but in facing personal truths. Today, Chase stands sober, reflective, and committed to living intentionally, with lessons learned the hard way. “I’m still learning,” he admits. “But I’m here. And for a long time, I wasn’t sure I would be. Sometimes that truth is stronger than any punchline, any storyline, or any carefully curated image.”

Conclusion

Chase Chrisley’s harrowing confession offers a rare glimpse into the life of a reality TV star battling addiction, fear, and near-death experiences. It’s a story of vulnerability, resilience, and the profound power of family support. From the highs of fame to the darkest moments of despair, Chase’s journey is a reminder that strength comes in many forms, and sometimes the bravest thing you can do is choose life, even when fear is all-consuming.

As audiences continue to watch the Chrisley family’s ups and downs on-screen, it’s the off-camera moments like Chase’s story that resonate most—a testament to human courage, accountability, and the enduring fight to overcome one’s inner demons.