Lexi Love, Louisville’s “Roller-Derby Doll” and RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 finalist, has entered rehab for substance abuse and emotional therapy at a treatment center in Texas.

Yesterday, Love posted on her Instagram saying, “I was brave enough to take my mental, physical and emotional health serious for the first time ever. I am in rehab and will be gone for a while.”

After the post went public, longtime friend and manager TJ Liedel told Entertainment Weekly that past trauma led to recent issues with substance abuse and her current treatment.

In a recent exclusive interview with Queer Kentucky, Love discussed her previous decision to practice harm reduction rather than complete abstinence, but Liedel has confirmed to EW that her perspective has shifted and she is seeking abstinence from all substances. He adds that Love may seek an additional 30 days in rehab once she completes her first month in the Texas facility.

Love, who was forced out of her home as a teenager after her family discovered she was queer, says the family rejection enabled her to slip into the world of hard drugs. With nowhere to go and no support system, she found herself on the streets.

“Once you’re homeless, and once you have no running water, electricity…[using drugs] just becomes a way to distract yourself from everything,” she said. “Something turns into a distraction, and then it turns into a lifestyle, and it’s very difficult.”

Love was open about her struggles with addiction on Drag Race, referring to herself as a “frequent flyer”—a term for regular meth users; however Liedel said that meth was not a factor in her decision to enter rehab. 

Not long after she took home the title of Season 17 second runner-up, she announced on her Instagram that she was going to take a step back from the spotlight to nurture her mental, physical, and emotional well-being while also transforming her relationship with her “inner-saboteur.”

“This journey isn’t one I can take alone,” she writes. “I know I’ll need help, guidance, and grace along the way — and I’m so grateful to have the love and support of this incredible community behind me.”

A few days after sharing her message with fans, she posted a stitched video featuring Amy Winehouse singing, “They tried to make me go to rehab and I said…,” which then cuts to a clip of Lexi responding, “OK, let’s go.”

Love promises to come back stronger for her fans, writing, “Y’all better get ready for what’s coming.”

Love, who is living with HIV, would also love to let the Queer Kentucky audience know about HIV resources for those struggling to find care. She would like to direct people to Mistr.com, ViivHealthcare, and Planned Parenthood. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.