Ryan Edwards provided an update on his progress in maintaining sobriety and the current status of his relationship with his estranged wife Mackenzie Edwards during the two-part Teen Mom: The Next Chapter reunion.
Dr. Drew Pinsky, the esteemed host of the Teen Mom reunion, traveled to Tennessee to conduct an in-depth interview with the 35-year-old Ryan. This interview aired on October 11. Ryan, a reality TV personality, confided in Dr. Drew that he has successfully remained sober for five months. He currently resides in a halfway house following a 28-day stay at a rehabilitation center. Prior to seeking help, Ryan spent a significant period of time in jail, serving part of a nearly one-year sentence due to his harassment of Mackenzie. This imprisonment resulted from his arrest in April for driving under the influence and possessing a controlled substance, during which he also experienced a drug overdose.
Mackenzie filed for divorce from Ryan in February after he was arrested for harassment. Despite being photographed talking and smiling at his rehab facility in August, Ryan stated on Dr. Drew's show that they will proceed with the divorce, though he is uncertain if Mackenzie still wants that. Mackenzie's visit with Ryan sparked controversy, and both Maci Bookout and Ryan's parents expressed their concerns.
"It was a cause for great concern. According to Ryan's mom, Jen Edwards, no one other than the patients should have been on that property. Consequently, Ryan faced consequences for his actions," said Jen Edwards to Dr. Drew during the reunion. Aligning with Dr. Drew's worries that Mackenzie might not comprehend Ryan's condition as thoroughly as his parents and Maci do, he pointed out that her presence could pose a significant threat to Ryan's sobriety. All present nodded in agreement.
“Absolutely,” Ryan’s dad, Larry Edwards, said.
Ryan Edwards is accompanied by his ex-wife Mackenzie for a casual walk on August 15, 2023. Despite having a turbulent relationship with Mackenzie, Ryan's ability to co-parent with Maci, who is 32 years old, has significantly improved.
Ryan, who started his MTV journey with Maci on the first episode of 16 and Pregnant in 2009, is the father of their 14-year-old son Bentley, who also made an appearance at the reunion. Ryan expressed that he and Maci currently have a great relationship, mentioning that she has been consistently checking in on him and even attended his court hearing.
Ryan's relationship with Bentley has significantly improved since his time in jail and undergoing rehabilitation. During July, while Ryan was still incarcerated, Maci revealed exclusively to We that her ex-partner "now consistently shows up and communicates with Bentley more than he ever has before, which is astonishing."
If you or someone you are acquainted with is experiencing difficulties with substance abuse, please reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).