Craig Conover Opens Up About Addiction and Friendship with Austen Kroll on Southern Charm
By Dana Rose Falcone
Published on March 6, 2025, 09:04 PM EST
Craig Conover and Austen Kroll may be on the path to rebuilding their friendship.
In the March 6 episode of Southern Charm, Craig, 36, and Austen, 37, sat down on a beach in the Bahamas to discuss their strained relationship.
“I just want you to loosen the reins a little bit,” Austen told Craig, suggesting that the Sewing Down South founder had been overly focused on maintaining a squeaky-clean image.
Craig pushed back, explaining that he wasn’t intentionally distancing himself but was instead working through personal struggles.
“I don’t have any leash on myself. That’s any addict. Me trying not to be an alcoholic is now affecting my friendship with Austen,” Craig admitted, tearing up. “I was in the trenches trying to better my life, and then you were like, ‘Oh, you’re never with me anymore.’”
Craig Conover Admits to Struggles with Addiction
Craig went on to explain that he often avoided going out to prevent falling back into bad habits.
“If I leave my couch, I’m gonna drink a bottle of Jäger and do dumb s—,” he said.
Austen appeared surprised, noting that Craig had never used the word addict with him before.
“No, I’ve never said it out loud,” Craig admitted.
During the Bahamas trip, fellow cast member Shep Rose also struggled with excessive drinking, even getting kicked out of the hotel casino and ending up sleeping on the beach. Reflecting on Craig’s revelation, Austen acknowledged that he hadn’t fully understood the depth of Craig’s struggles.
“I should’ve known—maybe the Adderall thing—you were struggling,” Austen said, referring to Craig’s past use of the ADHD medication during his early years on Southern Charm. “I am very sorry for not understanding what you were going through.”
Paige DeSorbo’s Support During Craig’s Journey
Austen then asked if Craig’s relationship with Summer House star Paige DeSorbo, 32, had helped him through his battle with addiction.
“She was right with me this entire time,” Craig said. “There’s a reason me and Paige are so close. I just could not imagine being closer to someone. She helped me beat this demon. It’s been a struggle, and it’s been a fight.”
Despite their deep bond, Paige announced on her Giggly Squad podcast in late December that she and Craig had broken up after three years together. She later revealed they had split over Thanksgiving weekend, and Craig described the breakup as “not mutual” on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, saying it “came out of nowhere.”
Austen Reacts to Craig’s Confession
Hearing Craig’s honesty, Austen admitted that it put a lot into perspective.
“Craig’s addiction doesn’t excuse him from being an asshole or being an angry f—ing person, but it is the starting point,” Austen said in a confessional interview. “And I have to give him grace for being as open and vulnerable with me as he is right now.”
Craig apologized for not telling Austen sooner, acknowledging that it led to Austen believing “I just didn’t f—ing like you.”
“That’s between us, no one else,” Craig told him. “I wasn’t in a great spot, dude.”
The Pillows and Beer podcast co-hosts then hugged it out, exchanging “I love yous,” with Austen even tearing up at the reconciliation.
“Man, is it freeing to just be transparent,” Craig told the cameras. “If we had just had this conversation sooner, it would have saved us a lot of heartache and frustration.”
Craig’s Commitment to Sobriety
Craig previously told PEOPLE that he “pretty much stopped drinking” as he prepared for a future with Paige.
“I talked to my dad, and he said, ‘Nothing bad’s happening, but nothing good’s happening either. You’re living a very stagnant life.’ And that was a great point,” Craig recalled.
To help him stay on track, he used the Reframe app, which supports healthier drinking habits.
“I didn’t know any better. Every activity to me was a drinking activity. I never knew the world outside of it,” he said. “But now I’ve found value in other things. It’s been a real blessing.”
This revision keeps all the key details while improving flow, readability, and clarity. Let me know if you’d like any additional refinements!