She looks different. You’ve probably noticed it if you’ve scrolled through Instagram or caught a glimpse of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills lately. The transformation isn’t just about the fitness or the rumors about Ozempic that she’s denied a thousand times. It’s deeper. People are constantly asking: is kyle richards still sober?
Yes. She is.
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Honestly, it’s been a long road. As of January 2026, Kyle is well into her third year of being alcohol-free. She officially hit the two-year mark back in July 2024, and she hasn't looked back. For someone who was once the life of the party—doing the splits on dance floors and whipping her ponytail—this shift felt like a glitch in the Matrix for fans. But it’s not a phase.
The July Anniversary and Staying the Course
Kyle stopped drinking on July 15, 2022. It started almost as an experiment. She didn't check into rehab or label herself an alcoholic in the traditional sense. Instead, she just... stopped. She realized that the "hanxiety"—that crippling next-day dread—wasn't worth the cocktail the night before.
By the time the cameras started rolling for Season 13 and 14, the "New Kyle" was firmly established. She was waking up at 5:00 AM. She was hitting the gym like a professional athlete. While the other ladies were ordering margaritas, she was sticking to spicy margaritas—minus the tequila.
It hasn't been easy. She’s been very open about the "resistance" she felt from her own social circle. Imagine being the glue of a reality show where the primary activity is drinking wine and screaming at each other. When you stop the drinking part, the screaming feels a lot more exhausting. She’s mentioned that even friends with "the best of intentions" would encourage her to just have one. They missed "Party Kyle." But Kyle didn't miss her.
Why the Sobriety Questions Keep Coming
People are skeptical. In the world of Bravo, sobriety is often a storyline that lasts exactly one season. But with Kyle, the stakes were higher. Her marriage to Mauricio Umansky was falling apart in the public eye. Usually, when life hits the fan, people reach for a glass. Kyle did the opposite.
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She credits her sobriety for helping her survive the divorce. "It would have been a lot harder going through these difficult times if I had been drinking," she shared on Instagram. Think about that for a second. Most people use booze to numb the pain of a 27-year marriage ending. She chose to feel every single second of it.
That’s why is kyle richards still sober remains a trending topic. Fans are looking for a crack in the armor. They see her hanging out with Morgan Wade—who is also sober—and they wonder if it’s a lifestyle transplant. But Kyle’s commitment seems tied to her own physical results. She’s 57 now and looks more toned than she did in her 30s. That kind of "health high" is addictive in its own way.
The Impact on Her Family Dynamics
Sobriety in the Richards family is a heavy topic. We’ve watched Kim Richards struggle for years. We saw the "You’re an alcoholic!" limo fight that changed reality TV forever. For Kyle, choosing to be alcohol-free wasn't just about her; it was about breaking a cycle.
- Her Daughters: She’s mentioned wanting to be a better role model for her four girls.
- Mental Clarity: She suffered from depression and anxiety, both of which are fueled by alcohol.
- Physical Longevity: After losing her best friend, Lorene, Kyle became hyper-focused on her health.
Dealing with the "California Sober" Labels
Some critics tried to claim she was "California sober"—a term usually meaning someone who avoids alcohol but still uses marijuana. Kyle has been fairly clear: she’s just not drinking. She isn't interested in the haze. She wants to see situations exactly as they are. No filters. No numbing.
The lifestyle change wasn't just about the booze, though. She cut out sugar. She started lifting heavy weights. If you look at her transformation, it’s a total metabolic overhaul. You can’t get that "shredded" look while consuming the empty calories found in a nightly bottle of rosé.
What Happens Next for Kyle?
So, will she ever drink again? She’s said she doesn't like to say "forever." That’s a lot of pressure. But she’s also said she can't imagine going back to how she felt before. The "hangxiety" is gone. The morning workouts are her new ritual.
If you’re looking to follow a similar path or just curious about why she’s stuck with it, here is the takeaway from Kyle’s journey:
- Identify your "Why": For Kyle, it was mental health and "looking better." Both are valid.
- Expect Resistance: Your friends will hate it at first. They’ll feel judged even if you aren't judging them.
- Replace the Habit: You can't just stop drinking; you have to find something else (like her fitness obsession) to fill the void.
- Face the Truth: Sobriety forces you to deal with your problems (like a crumbling marriage) instead of hiding from them.
Kyle Richards is still sober because she likes this version of herself better. It’s really that simple. No matter what the tabloids say about her private life, her commitment to her health has remained the one consistent thing in a very chaotic few years.
If you are considering a lifestyle change, start by tracking how you feel the morning after a social event. If the dread outweighs the fun, you might find your answer there. You don't need a TV crew to validate a choice that makes your brain feel quieter and your body feel stronger.