Bunnie XO's Journey to Sobriety: The Backstory
Bunnie XO's path to sobriety is deeply connected to her personal history and mental health. While many fans associate her journey with her husband Jelly Roll, her decision to pursue a substance-free life predates his more public struggles. She has consistently used her platform to discuss her experiences, providing transparency for her followers.
Overcoming Past Addictions
Bunnie has been open about her struggles with substance abuse, which primarily involved pills and cocaine, not alcohol. She made the life-changing decision to quit these substances in 2017. This was a pivotal moment in her life, influenced significantly by her family. Gaining full custody of her stepdaughter, Bailee, provided a powerful motivation to change her life for the better. She also noted that she did not want to repeat the cycle of addiction she witnessed in her own mother.
The Role of Mental Health in Recovery
After giving up hard drugs and alcohol, Bunnie discovered a deeper layer to her health struggles. She candidly shared that sobriety exposed underlying mental health issues that she had been masking with substances. On her podcast, Dumb Blonde, she revealed that she battles severe anxiety, OCD, and depression that were previously hidden by her drug and alcohol use. By confronting these issues head-on, she has found healthier coping mechanisms and has been able to make significant progress in her mental wellness journey.
The “Sober-ish” Clarification: Rome and the Viral Video
In late August 2025, Bunnie Xo posted a video on Instagram showing her drinking wine with Jelly Roll during a trip to Rome. The post went viral, and many fans questioned if she had 'fallen off the wagon' after her widely publicized sobriety. This prompted Bunnie to address the situation directly on her podcast, clarifying the nature of her sobriety.
Bunnie XO's Explanation
On an episode of the Dumb Blonde podcast in September 2025, Bunnie set the record straight. She explained that while she stopped drinking alcohol in 2018 for her mental health, it was never the primary focus of her addiction. Unlike her dependence on cocaine and Xanax, alcohol was a vice she associated with her upbringing in Las Vegas but did not have the same hold over her. Her decision to drink wine in Rome was a personal one made for a celebratory moment with her husband.
Cautioning Followers About Comparison
Crucially, Bunnie used this moment to caution her followers about the dangers of comparing their own sobriety to hers. She emphasized that everyone's journey is unique and that her ability to have an occasional drink should not be seen as a green light for someone else who is struggling with alcohol addiction. This is a key message about the personalized nature of recovery, echoing the sentiment that treatment is not one-size-fits-all, as noted by Psychology Today.
Defining Her Approach
Both Bunnie and Jelly Roll have used the term “sober-ish” to describe their lifestyle, which involves mostly abstaining from substances with rare, intentional exceptions for special occasions. This approach differs from complete abstinence, highlighting that recovery and a healthy relationship with substances can take many forms.
Comparison of Sobriety Approaches
| Aspect | Bunnie XO's Original Abstinence (2018-2025) | Bunnie XO's Current "Sober-ish" Approach (from Aug 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Motivation | Primarily driven by mental health concerns; hangovers worsened anxiety. | Maintaining overall mental wellness while allowing for rare exceptions for special occasions. |
| Substances | Full abstinence from alcohol, pills, and cocaine. | Full abstinence from pills and cocaine; occasional, conscious consumption of alcohol. |
| Mindset | Strict adherence to a substance-free lifestyle to heal from past trauma. | Acknowledging a different relationship with alcohol and trust in personal boundaries. |
| Public Stance | Promoted a consistent sobriety message and shared a viral clip of her sobriety journey. | Openly shared the change, clarified her reasoning on her podcast, and issued a warning against comparison. |
Key Takeaways from Bunnie XO's Journey
Bunnie XO’s story offers several important lessons about health, sobriety, and transparency. Her openness provides a valuable look into the complex realities of recovery.
Here are some key takeaways:
- Recovery is not linear: Bunnie's journey demonstrates that personal growth can involve twists and turns, and a singular definition of 'sobriety' doesn't apply to everyone.
- Mental health connection: Her story highlights the critical link between mental health and substance use. For her, sobriety uncovered deeper issues that needed healing, such as OCD and anxiety.
- Transparency builds trust: By being candid about her choices, even when they draw criticism, Bunnie maintains a transparent relationship with her followers, fostering open dialogue about complex health topics.
- Warning against comparison: Her direct message urging followers not to compare their journeys is vital for anyone in recovery. It acknowledges the personal and unique nature of addiction.
- The 'sober-ish' model: Her and Jelly Roll's use of this term provides a public example of a non-traditional approach to managing alcohol, though she stresses it is not for everyone.
Conclusion
In answer to the question, 'Is Bunnie XO sober?', the situation is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. She is sober from the drugs that once controlled her life, quitting pills and cocaine in 2017. While she had abstained from alcohol since 2018 for mental health reasons, she consciously chose to have a drink on a special occasion in 2025. Bunnie’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that recovery is deeply personal and that confronting underlying mental health issues is a crucial component of long-term well-being. Her public honesty, while sometimes controversial, encourages a more compassionate and informed conversation about health and addiction, stressing the importance of respecting individual paths to wellness.
Resources for Support
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use or mental health issues, help is available. For more information on understanding addiction and finding support, resources like the American Society of Addiction Medicine are available.
