**Steve-O Reflects on Sobriety Journey and Future Aspirations after Overcoming Addiction**
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Well-known stunt performer and television personality Steve-O, whose real name is Stephen Glover, recently shared his candid experiences with addiction and his transformative journey towards sobriety in an interview. In a heartfelt discussion with Playboy, the 52-year-old former star of the *Jackass* series opened up about the dark days of his past when he believed his substance abuse would prematurely end his life.
Steve-O candidly admitted that during his struggles with drugs and alcohol, he had little anticipation of a long life. “I did not think I was going to live very long at all because I was in such deep trouble with drugs and alcohol,” he expressed. His mindset was one of despair, as he felt that engaging in reckless behaviour meant he had no financial foundation for the future, leading him to dismiss the need for careful planning. “So I wasn’t particularly concerned about being smart with money or savvy in business. I was just not going to be around. I thought, like, I’m going to be dead,” he said.
The turning point for Steve-O came in 2008 when he chose to seek help and pursue sobriety. This decision acted as a catalyst for significant change, compelling him to rethink his future and his health. “Getting sober shocked my system in the biggest way,” he explained. Suddenly, the prospect of living for many more decades became a reality. “I’m 33 and now I’m actually being careful about my health and wellness. I might be less than halfway through my life at 33. That was the scariest thing to me,” Steve-O reflected.
His journey to sobriety was not without its challenges. By the time he reached this turning point, Steve-O found himself estranged from significant aspects of his career and grappling with financial instability. The public persona he had cultivated over the years had come at a cost, and he now faced the reality of not being in the spotlight. “Everything I heard about recovery was about deflating your ego, living a spiritual life. How the heck am I supposed to do that and be Steve-O?” he pondered, revealing his profound internal conflict.
As he navigated recovery, Steve-O soon realised that he needed to prioritise his wellbeing above all else, even if it meant stepping away from the attention he once sought. “I had to make recovery the biggest priority, the only priority,” he recalled. Despite the initial fear of losing his identity as a performer, he acknowledged that there was no other option if he wanted to have a stable future.
In an unexpected twist, he discovered that his obsession had shifted from substances to building a sustainable life. “It was almost like I traded my obsession for drugs and alcohol with my obsession for earning and setting myself up for the future,” he noted, highlighting his determination to turn his life around. Today, Steve-O feels he has made significant progress and shared that he has reached a point of comfort with not constantly chasing attention. “It’s really weird to say, and I’ve never said it before, but I think I’m at a point where I’m pretty comfortable not seeking attention,” he declared.
Celebrating his journey, Steve-O recently marked 18 years of sobriety, an achievement he commemorated with a heartfelt post on Instagram alongside his father, Ted Glover. “I’m unbelievably grateful to be celebrating 18 years of sobriety today, on an epic trip with my dad,” he wrote, expressing his gratitude for his recovery. His old friend and *Jackass* co-creator, Johnny Knoxville, congratulated him on this milestone, reinforcing the support system that has been crucial to Steve-O’s recovery.
For those grappling with similar challenges, Steve-O stands as a testament to the possibility of redemption and rebuilding. His experience underscores the importance of seeking help and prioritising one’s health for a brighter future. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, it is advisable to reach out for support from helplines and local resources available for assistance.