Ryan Edwards ‘Keeping Nose Clean’ After Latest Arrest: ‘He’s Stepping Up’
Sep. 4 2019, Updated 2:22 p.m. ET
Ryan Edwards was released from jail in April 2019 after serving 90 days for breaking probation from a past simple possession of heroin arrest – and the long sentence behind bars was just what he needed to turn his life around.
On part one of the Teen Mom OG reunion special, Maci Bookout’s ex-fiancé and baby daddy claimed he is sober and in a good place following years drug abuse issues.
A source exclusively confirmed to RadarOnline.com that Ryan is “doing a lot better” since he’s been home.
“Jail scared him straight,” the source told RadarOnline.com.
The insider claimed his wife Mackenzie’s pregnancy with their second child together has also motivated him. The two are expecting a daughter due in January. (Ryan is dad to son Bentley, 10, from a previous relationship with Maci and Mackenzie is mom to son Hudson with ex-husband Zach Stephens.)
“Finding out she was pregnant again put a pep in his step on the dad part,” the insider said. “He’s been helping with the kids and everything. Has kept his nose clean and is stepping up.”
The insider continued that Ryan’s improvement has helped his marriage to Mackenzie.
“They’re doing great,” the source said. “Her family is surprised.”
Scroll through RadarOnline.com’s gallery to get more on Ryan’s sober life after his most recent rehab and jail stints.
Drug Confession
On the Monday, September 3 reunion episode, Ryan, 31, explained how he never thought he would get addicted to drugs. “The first time I had a withdrawal, I thought I was sick,” he said. “My buddy was like, ‘Here do this.’ Instantly I felt better. After that, it was everyday all day. I remember saying I’d never use a needle. I don’t know what made me start using heroin. I can’t remember why I did. Once I did, I never went back to anything else.”
Staying Strong
Ryan continued that drug addiction is “like living in a cage.” “You can’t do anything, go anywhere, travel, it’s awful," he said. "I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow. I can’t say I will be sober for the rest of my life. I would love to be. I’ll do whatever it takes.”
United Front
When Mackenzie joined the stage, she was asked about their relationship. “I think we have a great line of communication," she said. "We have a really good relationship. I really love living life with my best friend.”
Baby Mama Issues
When Ryan was asked how he feels about Maci calling him an “uncle” to their son, he went off. “Maci talks a lot of s**t,” he said. “He’s mine too. He’s not just hers. It doesn’t matter what she says it matters what I know and what happens and what I see. She can say I’m his uncle, I don’t give a f**k to be honest. What is affecting my relationship with Bentley is Maci. She goes on TV and says whatever she wants.”
Restraining Order
As RadarOnline.com readers know, Maci and her husband Taylor McKinney have a two-year restraining order against Ryan after he made violent threats. Although she considered lifting the order to work on their relationship, she decided to keep it in place. The order also protects their children Jayde, 4, and Maverick, 3. It expires in May 2020.
Third Rehab Stint
As RadarOnline.com broke, Ryan completed his third rehab stint in November 2018. He missed the October birth of their son Jagger.
Hard Habit To Break
A source told RadarOnline.com in February 2019 that he “was good for about a week then went back to hanging out with the same people that do drugs and go out in all the bars.”
Past Arrest
He was arrested for outstanding warrants on January 23, 2019. He was charged with simple possession of heroin for breaking probation from a past 2017 possession of heroin charge executed by Red Bank. He was also charged with theft of services under $1,000 when he allegedly failed to pay a $36 bar tab in Hamilton County. The theft case was dismissed. He accepted a plea deal and was released from jail on April 15 on the possession charge.
Cheating Scandal
RadarOnline.com then exposed Ryan’s December 2018 Tinder scandal. A woman claimed the two had a one-night stand after sexting. He was also busted on the app in August 2017 and March 2018.
Family’s Doubt
A separate source told RadarOnline.com in April that his family questioned if he would remain sober. "Being incarcerated, his family hopes he learned his lesson and stays clean," the insider told RadarOnline.com. "Would they bet on it? Not on a dime. Drugs are very powerful. When your body needs them, you do things you normally wouldn't do."