In season 4, it is revealed that over the summer Dixon was on a hip-hop tour with one of his favorite DJs. He decides to attend college, but after Navid ruins his chance of getting a dorm on campus by forging his dorm papers and making him check in the girls dorm, he finds himself without a place to stay. Navid then gives him an ad listing for a 2 bedroom condo. Dixon then moves in with a new roommate, Austin. At Naomi's party, he tells Annie that he has decided not to go to college and wants to get into the music business, which she disagrees with. Later, after witnessing Silver harshly turning down Adrianna's apology, he goes over and comforts Ade. The next morning while on the balcony of his new condo, Adrianna walks out with Austin's T-shirt on and tells Dixon she came over because she needed someone to talk to, but ran into Austin. It is hinted that she and Austin slept together, but Austin later tells Dixon they only made out a little and that's it. He then talks to Adrianna and she tells him she has decided to go home, and that the only reason she's been hanging around with Dixon is because he is the only one who doesn't look at her like she's pure evil. She also tells Dixon that she listened and loves the new music he's been working on and encourages him to continue at it. He also tries to help Liam get his money back after he drunkenly buys the bar on the beach, but Liam changes his mind and decides to keep it. Dixon then helps Adrianna get a job at Liam's new bar. When he feels the pressure of trying to make good tracks to impress a famous record producer, Austin, offers his ADHD medication to keep him focus and energized. Although he rejects it at first, Dixon gives in and takes a pill. Adrianna finds out that Dixon is using drugs and insists he goes to rehab, they get close and end up dating. Annie doesn't like the fact they are dating but still gets the money for Dixon's rehab by 'dating' Patrick. Adrianna and Dixon decide to produce a track together, when they are going to festivals to promote the track Dixon is asked by a major record label if he would sign with them, without Adrianna. He does not make an immediate decision however later on leaves to go on tour solo. He loses contact with Adrianna but in the last episode they decide to meet, Adrianna thinks Dixon is not going to show up so she leaves to go join Austin and produce music with him. It is shown that Dixon has been traveling back to meet her but is late; just as she steps on the plane, Dixon's car is involved in a massive car crash with a lorry. The car is turned over and it is not known whether Dixon has survived or not. However, in season 5 we find out that Dixon did indeed survive but has obviously suffered and is left with a wheelchair, then crutches. At the time of season 5's end he has made a nearly total recovery.
