Shayne Davis Gets Honest About His Past Drug Addictions

Shayne Davis opened up about his past drug addictions in a vulnerable moment on Vanderpump Rules.

During Season 12, Episode 6, Shayne got together with friend Marcus Johnson, and during their scenic hangout, he admitted that he almost had a “slip-up” in his sobriety journey while preparing for a visit from his father. According to Shayne, he’d stopped at a smoke shop on the way to pick up his dad at the airport and grabbed “an opioid” that he intended to purchase.

“I don’t know what, like, overcame me,” Shayne shared, before assuring Marcus that he’d “put the drugs back down” and left the shop emptyhanded. “I was like, ‘F–k, man, what am I doing right now?'”

RELATED: Shayne Davis Details Near-Death Experience: “It Was My Best Friend—He Shot Me”

In a confessional, Shayne explained that he’d been sober for two-and-a-half years, before detailing his past addiction. Noting that he’d been “off” alcohol and certain illicit substances for more than a decade, he said that he had relapsed and used a handful of other drugs, including marijuana, mushrooms, and various pharmaceuticals, up until about two-and-a-half years prior to their conversation.

“Like, I had three years clean, bro,” he told Marcus. “The last time I walked in the store and got the [opioid drug], that was a two-year relapse where I lost everything. I cannot accomplish the things I want in my life — I can’t even really maintain real friendships — when I’m using because, like, I can’t stop lying. I am incapable of being a good person when I touch a drug. I’m just incapable.”

How Shayne Davis’ parents contributed to his past drug addiction

During their heart to heart on VPR‘s Jan. 13 episode, Marcus asked if Shayne only had those “thoughts” when he was on his way to meet his dad at the airport. (The reason for his father’s visit to Los Angeles was to witness a “big moment” in Shayne’s career: a screening of a short film that he acted in.)

“I was having the thoughts prior, but I didn’t start acting out until I was picking up my father,” he answered. “My family likes to do drugs.”

That’s when Shayne shed light on his relationship with his parents, particularly his dad. He said that his father was “rarely present” when he was growing up, given that he was “in and out of legal trouble” and “in jail,” for a period of time.

RELATED: What Does the Vanderpump Rules Season 12 Cast Do for a Living Outside of Working at SUR?

Shayne added to a producer, “When I had my very first drink, I was probably about five years old. My family introduced me to crack cocaine and methamphetamines. I mean, we were the hottest dopeheads in the trailer park. It wasn’t until I was digging through the carpet looking for meth crumbs that I understood that I might have a problem.”

When Shayne ultimately “started recovery” more than a decade ago, he said that his relationship with his mom and dad “kind of ended,” because he “partied” with them so often.

“I did a lot of drugs with my parents,” he continued. “And it was really sad to distance myself and to begin trying to find out who the hell I was.”

Because he had seen his dad only once in the past three years, the patriarch’s attendance at the movie screening put extra “pressure” on Shayne. He remained unshaken when his father was “trashed” upon arriving for their airport rendezvous, however.

As Shayne put it to Marcus, “That’s just who he is. I love him and accept him exactly the way he is.”

How Marcus Johnson reacted to Shayne Davis’ relapse story

Marcus, meanwhile, explained to a producer why he was so stunned by Shayne’s account of his more recent sobriety challenges.

“I’ve known Shayne for over 10 years,” Marcus said in a confessional. “When I met him, he was already sober, and our entire relationship, I thought he was clean. So, for him to tell me that three years ago, that he actually relapsed was pretty shocking to me.”

Either way, Marcus applauded Shayne’s brutal honesty and vowed to continue supporting his friend.

“The fact that he’s opening up to me right now about his slip-up, just really shows his true strength,” Marcus continued. “And I want him to know that, like, ‘There’s never gonna be a time that you can’t come to me and tell me anything that you’re dealing with. I’ll always be that friend for you.'” 

In the meantime, get more details on Shayne’s past near-death experience that he previously shared on Vanderpump Rules Season 12.