In a raw and reflective interview on the We’re Out of Time podcast with host Richard Taite, rapper Lil Xan opened up about his battle with addiction, the challenges of sobriety, and his ongoing commitment to mental health. The conversation was a powerful glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of the artist’s journey to recovery, highlighting the importance of his fan base and his anti-drug mission.
Lil Xan, whose real name is Diego Leanos, took a year-long hiatus from social media and music to focus on getting sober. “When I knew I had to get sober, I took a whole year off… I was so grateful to my fans for waiting—people thought I died, honestly,” he shared. “And I just came back stronger.”
The rapper, known for his chart-topping hits like “Betrayed,” emphasized how important his fans have been in his recovery process. “Every day I get at least a hundred messages from people saying my music helped them through a dark time or when they were suicidal. I used to feel guilty because I wasn’t sober at the time, but now it helps me stay sober,” Lil Xan revealed. His interaction with fans has become an essential part of his commitment to sobriety, and the outpouring of support from his audience keeps him grounded in his mission to stay clean.
In the interview, Lil Xan also explained why he chose to keep his stage name despite the negative connotations it may carry. “I didn’t want to be the Xanax guy, promoting drugs… My whole movement is anti-drug,” he said. “It’s the battles I’ve been through—the ups, the downs, the ugly—that’s why we kept it.” This decision underscores his desire to take control of his narrative and use his platform to advocate for sobriety and mental health awareness.
The rapper also spoke candidly about his mental health journey, describing how he’s worked hard to maintain stability. “Mental health is everything,” Lil Xan said. “Right now I’m in a very happy place, due to good people around me… but I do go through moments. A few months ago, I was kinda getting a little depressed. Not doing drugs or anything, just slipping under. But I’ve learned over the past 10 years how to self-pick myself back up.”
As part of his recovery, Lil Xan plans to focus on healthier habits in the coming year. “I want to start going to the gym every day. I want to leave the house more… be part of more social activities,” he shared, adding that he recognizes the importance of therapy in his continued progress. When Richard Taite advised him to seek therapy multiple times a week, Lil Xan acknowledged the value of that advice. “Yeah, I’m definitely gonna do it… I agree fully. This is really powerful. I appreciate that.”
Lil Xan’s openness about his struggles and his commitment to recovery continue to inspire many of his fans. As he steps into this new chapter of his life, it’s clear that his journey toward healing is not only about himself but also about helping others along the way.