Reality TV Stars with Substance Abuse Disorders

Updated September 2020

While flipping through your 500 channels or scrolling through Netflix, you will certainly stumble across at least one reality tv show.

From the Bachelor to Survivor and The Real World to Top Chef, reality TV shows have taken over the television world. As average Joes that somehow wind up on television, these reality tv stars are often catapulted into a life in the spotlight. Just like other celebrities, this fame can sometimes come with a price. To cope with their new-found stardom and the pressures of being famous, some of these reality stars may turn to drugs or alcohol. Eventually, these average Joes may transform into reality star addicts.

Reality TV Stars on Drugs & in Rehab

Whether you love them or hate them, reality stars are bound to continue to grace our television screens. While this means more hours of guilty pleasure viewing, it likely also means more reality TV stars with substance use disorders. As a Philadelphia rehab center, we know how easy it can be for people to fall to addiction, and reality stars are no exception. Here is our list of reality stars addicted to drugs that you may not know about.

Getting into treatment is easy with our free insurance verification

"*" indicates required fields

Mama June

The first on our list of reality stars addicted to drugs is the infamous Mama June from the show Honey Boo Boo. Mama June showcased the life of being a “pageant mom” on television, and the show became one of America’s guilty pleasures. In 2019, she was arrested for drug possession, but Mama June’s cocaine addiction was only speculation by the general public. More recently, the showing of the “Family Crisis” episode of Mama June: From Not to Hot detailed Mama June’s addiction to cocaine as the checked into a Banyan rehab.¹ She is now several months sober and one of many reality tv stars who went to rehab and found sobriety.

Mike "The Situation"

Close to home in Philadelphia, Jersey Shore star Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino became famous for his party-boy antics but behind the scenes, he was struggling with an addiction to painkillers. After hitting rock bottom, he recognized that he had a problem and got opiate addiction treatment. His 2+ years of sobriety is something worth fist-pumping for, especially now that The Situation has joined the Banyan team.

Craig Robinson

Only hardcore Bachelor and Bachelorette fans who have been around long before Colton and Hannah B. will remember Craig Robinson from Ali Fedotowsky’s season. Craig Robinson was a cocaine user before going on the show, but his addiction became much worse as a result of the fame he gained. Eventually, it became a daily habit and he became suicidal.² Finally, he decided to get help and sought help. Since that time, he has moved to Florida and has been taking steps to improve his life and continue his recovery.

Jael Strauss

America’s Next Top Model star, Jael Strauss, made an appearance on the show in Cycle Eight. She was all but forgotten by most until she appeared on a Dr. Phil episode regarding her drug abuse six years later. After her time with Tyra Banks, Jael began abusing methamphetamine, and like many meth users, her physical appearance began to drastically decline. In the Dr. Phil episode, her family pleaded with her to get professional help. Now several years later, Jael Strauss is in recovery and much happier.³

Scott Disick

Sharing three children with Kourtney Kardashian, Scott Disick has made several notable television appearances alongside the Kardashian family. Recently a photo of the reality TV celebrity in rehab was leaked and Scott left the facility early. Although rumors are flying about him getting cocaine and alcohol abuse treatment, his lawyer made a statement that Scott Disick was in rehab for his mental health and “to work on his past traumas.”⁴

Amber Portwood

First making a name for herself on MTV’s Teen Mom and giving birth to baby Leah, Amber Portwood has run into a lot of trouble since. She has been arrested more than once for domestic violence. She has also been in and out of both jail and rehab. Amber Portwood was ordered to go to rehab for help in 2019. Gary Shirley, the father of Leah, currently has custody.⁵

Although they may be on television, these reality stars addicted to drugs and going to rehab are just like anyone else. Addiction doesn’t discriminate and can quickly cause anyone to lose control. Do not let your addiction govern your life or the life of your loved one. You too can become sober.

888-280-4763 to learn more about us to start your recovery. At Banyan Philadelphia, we are here to help.

Sources:

Alyssa, Director of Digital Marketing

Alyssa is the National Director of Digital Marketing and is responsible for a multitude of integrated campaigns and events in the behavioral health and addictions field. All articles have been written by Alyssa and medically reviewed by our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Darrin Mangiacarne.