Gina Explains How Sobriety Helped Her Navigate RHOC Drama

Gina Kirschenheiter is shedding more light on her alcohol-free lifestyle.

During a recent sit-down with E! News, The Real Housewives of Orange County cast member was asked about her sobriety journey and how it ultimately affected her Season 17 experience. Gina, who joined the series in 2018, jokingly admitted that the decision sounded “crazy,” but abstaining from alcohol turned out to be quite beneficial during filming.

Gina says she felt “more present” during RHOC Season 17

“Who would do this sober? I just keep saying the whole season, ‘I am way too sober for this,’” she recalled with a laugh. “I think it was a really good thing for me. Obviously, personally I was able to tackle and look at some things that I really didn’t want to look at. And then also I just felt way more present the whole season and able to stay in it more and help, you know, work things out between some of my castmates and whatnot, rather than just being like, ‘OK, I can’t take it anymore. I’m just gonna put myself down.’”

Photo: Gina Kirschenheiter/Instagram

How Sobriety Helped Gina Process Her Trauma

Episode 2 of Season 17 found Gina confronting newbie Jennifer Pedranti over an alleged “affair.” The issue was especially triggering for Gina, who previously revealed that her ex-husband had been unfaithful during their marriage. Although she is now in a years-long relationship with Travis Mullen, Gina said she didn’t fully process the infidelity trauma until she went sober.

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“This is probably the first year I was able to take charge of that, look at that, and maybe have the strength the even look at it. Also being sober really helped,” she said. “That’s the right mindset if you’re going to look at these kind of traumas or things, you really want to do it with a clear mind.”

Has Gina “forgiven” her ex-husband?

Gina was then asked if she has forgiven her ex-husband, with whom she shares three kids: Sienna, Nicholas, and Luca.

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“I have absolutely forgiven my ex. I have,” she said. “And that’s why, for me, this really doesn’t have anything to do with him. This has to do with me, and me having to process through all of my feelings and what I went through in regards to that trauma. My trauma is one thing and then my current relationships are a completely other thing.”