Before he was ever cast on Season 16, Zac was dealing with addiction himself.
His addiction made up some of the darkest days of his life.
The journey even inspired him to start up his own recovery center.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available.
Visit theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration websiteor contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Congratulations on your engagement!
You’re also celebrating 10 years of sobriety, which is a huge deal.
Can you talk a little bit about the Gala and what receiving this award means to you?
It’s funny you lead with that piece about it’s been a crazy year, which it has.
And for better, for worse, there’s been a lot of attention on me.
Because there was a lot of heroes, kind of, in my journey.
And my family is definitely front and center with all that.
And that room at Cipriani on 42nd Street, I’ve been to the Gala many times.
I know how special the night is, so we’re looking forward to a good party.
How are other people able to help out or get involved?
you’re free to give your time to an organization that speaks to you.
And so, there’s a lot of people out there that can’t afford to get help.
I thought it was a punishment.
I thought my life was going to stop.
And my experience has been it’s been exactly the opposite.
I’ve met so many cool people.
So people who struggle with drug addiction and alcoholism are super talented.
Sit them down, express your concern.
And if the person is resistant, you don’t give up.
They engaged in their own personal therapy.
And in the world of addiction, we’re losing just as many, if not more people.
And there’s no straight line or book on this thing.
Or for someone who’s going through that now, what do they need to hear?
I just wanted to be sober and happy.
And I’ve gotten so much more than that.
And your story went public on “The Bachelorette,” which your sister actually signed you up for.
What made you want to do it?
And had you seen the show before?
So I’ve told this story many times.
Mom and sister wanting, wanting brother or son to find love.
And I got a call from a producer on a Friday night.
I guess it was like April or May.
And my first thought was “Lose my number.
You have the wrong number.
I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
And I was like, “I guess.”
And then the conversation just kind of took off from there, and ultimately I did.
I ended up on the show.
I had maybe seen a couple episodes over the years.
I understood the premise of what I was getting myself into.
What was the casting process like?
I mean, for me, it was pretty straightforward.
I mean, I don’t know that I really thought about it.
I mean, it was pretty straightforward, honestly.
I mean, beautiful.
And then in getting to know her, you understand that there’s just so much more there.
So I’m a lucky guy.
Was there ever a time on the show where you were afraid you wouldn’t receive a rose?
I mean, no.
I mean, maybe at the end, the thought crept in.
But throughout the process, I was pretty secure in where we stood.
I mean, I was actually thinking about that the other day.
It was a bit of a whirlwind, watching everything back.
There were some we were together for and some we weren’t.
And I think what we have been able to do since then is go back and kind of share.
You have it available to watch again and again!
It’s f**king crazy.
Is there any moment that wasn’t included in any episodes that you wish we could have seen?
I don’t know.
I mean, this is like so long ago now.
I mean, I think what you see is what you got.
I mean, we definitely had that connection early on, and I was grateful for that.
So I’m grateful for that.
Was there a definitive moment?
Yeah, I mean, I think I’ve been asked this question a lot over the past year.
Was there anything you would change about your experience on the show?
No, I don’t live with regret, so all good.
Where are Zac Clark and Tayshia Adams at with wedding planning?
And we’re excited for a New York City fall.
It’s going to be good.
The beginning of your relationship was on camera.
How has it changed or evolved since you guys got back and have been off camera?
How has it changed since we got back?
I think it’s like any relationship.
It’s absolutely been a good time.
Will we ever see Zac Clark on TV again?
Would you ever want to be on another reality show?
I think I’m good on the reality show circuit for now.
That’s just me, though.
You have a lot of other things going on right now, for sure!
I mean, I do I respect the people that do it.
I mean, honestly, I really do.
I have friends that I have met that have done some other stuff, and it’s not easy.
I mean, you’ve got the option to’t really knock it until you try it.
So for me, I think I’m good, though.
Yeah, it really opens up your life.
But like I said, you already got to share your story on TV, which is inspiring.
And thank you for your time!
I appreciate you shining a light on [addiction].
So I want to thank you.
