How Mike ‘The Situation’ Sorrentino is Spreading Positivity
For every negative story surrounding the struggle to recover from drug addiction, Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino has a positive affirmation to counteract it. Sitch has replaced classic Jersey Shore phrases like “Cabs are here!” with “The comeback is greater than the set back” and “Living my best life.” Nowadays, Sorrentino is less focused on fist-pumping and more dedicated to using his platform to “spread positivity.” Read on to find out how.
Mike’s struggle with addiction
It’s no secret that addiction impacted Sorrentino’s life. Most of what he refers to as his “wild 20’s” was captured on film. Throughout the early seasons of Jersey Shore, his misuse of pain killers was apparent. One of Sorrentino’s lowest points was when he was filmed running headfirst into a concrete wall during the Italy season.
Sorrentino sought treatment for his addiction a few times. Eventually, with the help and support of his college sweetheart, Lauren Pesce, Sorrentino found sobriety. He has remained sober for the last four years.
How ‘The Situation’ is impacting those in recovery
As we’ve seen on Family Vacation, Sorrentino is nothing short of a positive influence on every one of his roommates. The same can be said about his fans.
In addition to using the show, his social media presence, and YouTube channel as a platform to spread his positive message, “The Situation” also partners with Banyan Treatment Center to serve as an ambassador and positive reminder to those in recovery that change is possible.
Banyan is an organization that offers addiction treatment in locations across the nation. The Sorrentinos recently paid a visit to their Philadelphia facility. While in town, the couple sat down with NBC 10 Philadelphia to discuss the partnership. Later, they surprised everyone at the center with a visit.
In his interview, Sorrentino said he and his wife would share their story, experience, strength, and hope during their visit “…so that people who are in similar situations can understand that they’re not alone.” The couple shared photos from Banyan’s Philadelphia center on their respective Instagram stories.
How addiction has impacted Lauren’s life
In addition to her husband’s situation, addiction has also impacted Pesce’s life in other ways. Her younger brother, Christopher Pesce, passed away at the age of 25 from an overdose. In discussing their partnership with Banyan, Pesce says that she brings both the spousal perspective and the family perspective. She hopes that by bringing her brother and husband’s stories to people, it will give others the ability to cope.
What’s next for ‘The Situation’
A new season of Jersey Shore: Family Vacation is around the corner, where fans will finally get to see the family reunited with Big Daddy Sitch.
In past season’s of Jersey Shore, Sorrentino has openly discussed his progress in recovery, evening visiting a treatment center with Jenni “JWoww” Farley in a previous episode. Fans can expect that his positive trajectory will continue. In addition, Sorrentino and his wife will most likely maintain their partnership with Banyan Treatment Centers and inspire hope in others struggling with addiction.
How to get help: In the U.S., contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
