After a recent rocky stretch on Vanderpump Rules that was partially caused by his drinking habits, James Kennedy is now five months sober.

“I don’t drink anymore,” the reality star, 27, tells PEOPLE at BravoCon. “I’m five months sober now. It’s been incredible.”

“I never realized how much alcohol was slowing me down and making me procrastinate in big life things that I could be pursuing now,” he continues. “My career is getting even bigger and my deejaying is really taking off so I’m taking it seriously. I’m going to take over!”