Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino has opened up about the celebrities who expressed their concerns while he was grappling with addiction. The 41-year-old gained fame as a self-proclaimed “guido” on Jersey Shore, known for his hard-partying lifestyle. However, by the end of the show’s original run in 2012, Sorrentino was facing addiction to prescription painkillers.

In his recently released memoir, “Reality Check: Making the Best of The Situation,” the reality star detailed his struggles, revealing that he spent thousands of dollars on drugs during that period when he had access to an “unlimited supply” of substances. The substances included Percocet, Vicodin, oxycodone, Roxicet, Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin. Sorrentino explained that what began as experimental pill-taking for pleasure eventually turned into a nightmare, requiring the substances to avoid feeling violently ill.

According to Sorrentino, his addiction led him to spend a staggering $500,000 on drugs, primarily cocaine and oxycodone, during those years, as estimated by his lawyers and accountants.

Fellow celebrities, including Jay Leno and Whoopi Goldberg, confronted Sorrentino about his escalating addiction. Leno, concerned about Sorrentino’s well-being, pulled him aside after appearances on The Tonight Show, advising him to make better decisions for a lasting career. Whoopi Goldberg also expressed worry about Sorrentino’s actions, reaching out multiple times to caution him about moving too fast.

Despite their concerns, Sorrentino admitted that he wasn’t ready to listen at the time. However, a conversation with Robert Downey Jr., who has been sober for over two decades, left a lasting impact on him. Downey, having experienced similar addiction issues, recognized the signs in Sorrentino and urged him to be careful.

Presently, Sorrentino celebrates eight years of sobriety, acknowledging the ongoing battle against addiction. He is determined never to return to those low points and emphasizes that the fight against the dormant monster inside him is a lifetime commitment. Sorrentino, now a champion of addiction, remains vigilant in ensuring that the old version of himself does not resurface.