Carl Radke, star of Bravo’s “Summer House,” has been candid about his past struggles with addiction. Recently, on Nick Viall’s podcast, “The Viall Files,” Radke opened up about a particularly challenging period following the death of his older brother, Curtis, in September 2020. He detailed a “downward spiral” of drug and alcohol abuse that followed the loss.
After filming “Summer House” the summer of his brother’s passing, Radke returned to his New York City apartment and found himself isolating and using drugs and alcohol heavily. He described drinking all day, using cocaine alone, and engaging in erratic behavior. While publicly he appeared to be coping, privately he was battling intense addiction. He attempted to change his environment by moving into a new apartment in the same building as his then-castmate (and later fiance) Lindsay Hubbard, but the change of scenery didn’t curb his substance abuse.
The anticipation of rewatching the “Summer House” episode where he learned of his brother’s death fueled his anxiety. The public praise he received for his seemingly healthy response to the tragedy only intensified his feelings of being an imposter. Radke admitted to holding a jar of cocaine while reading an online article commending his strength. He traced his substance abuse back to his college years at Syracuse University, where he said he first used cocaine during a spring break trip.
In 2019, a Bravo executive confronted Radke about his substance use, recognizing that it extended beyond alcohol. This intervention, along with his own internal struggles, eventually led him to seek help through Alcoholics Anonymous. Radke celebrated four years of sobriety last month. He emphasized the diversity of people he encountered in AA, dispelling common misconceptions and highlighting the program’s accessibility to individuals from all walks of life.
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Carl Radke and Kyle Cooke at a “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen” taping in New York City.
Radke’s sobriety journey is intertwined with the memory of his brother, Curtis, who struggled with heroin addiction. He recounted witnessing Curtis’s drug use and arrest during their childhood. Radke also revealed that discussing Curtis’s addiction on “Summer House” led to a significant rift between them, culminating in a public Facebook outburst from Curtis. Their last meaningful conversation took place at their grandmother’s funeral.
While Radke expressed regret over publicly discussing his brother’s addiction, he finds solace in his current sobriety and views it as a tribute to Curtis. He now channels his experience into helping others by openly sharing his story and encouraging those struggling with addiction to seek support. He is also the founder of Soft Bar + Café, a non-alcoholic bar in New York City.
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Carl Radke and Lindsay Hubbard at an NBC event in New York City.
Radke’s vulnerability and commitment to recovery serve as an inspiration. “Summer House” season 9 premieres on February 12th on Bravo. If you or someone you know needs help with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
