Steve-O on Getting Sober: 'I Had Been Spinning Out of Control for Some Time'

By Nicki Gostin Posted Nov 17th 2010 12:21PM

Steve-O is perhaps best known for the extreme stunts he's performed over the years as part of the 'Jackass' crew, which have included stapling his scrotum to his thigh and lighting his head on fire. But the performer, who can currently be seen in the big screen hit 'Jackass 3D' and will be appearing at Caroline's on Broadway from Nov. 24-28, is nothing like his onscreen persona. Instead, he's thoughtful, honest and surprisingly sweet. Steve-O recently took a little time to talk to PopEater about his newfound sobriety and the "dark places" he visited as an addict.

"Initially, my thinking was, 'I'm Steve O! I'm in the position where I can do a lot of good in the world. If I turn my life around I can lead by example,'" Steve-O -- whose real name is Stephen Glover -- told PopEater. "I had a crazy idea that I was going to be doing the rest of the world a big favor if I got clean and sober. That's what gave me the willingness to go to rehab.

Congrats on the success of the new movie. Are you surprised by it?
I don't think it's terribly surprising. I think it's a barometer of the downward spiral of our society. The more popular 'Jackass' is, the more trouble our society is in.

Really?
Maybe a little bit. Then again, it's not necessarily a new style of comedy, the 'Three Stooges' did it for years.

How long have you been sober?
Two-and-a-half years. For a guy like me, it's a long time.

What was your moment of clarity?
I had been spinning out of control for some time. There was a lot of really dark stuff going on. I don't think it was really any one thing. I was out of control. People were starting to say I was going to be dead soon, and they were probably right ... Part of rehab involves taking a really honest look at yourself and your actions, and when I looked at myself and my actions, I really didn't like what I saw.

I know there was an intervention.
I had Johnny Knoxville come with most of the crew of 'Jackass' and they came to my apartment and forced me into a psych ward. It wasn't the style where the addict has a choice about whether or not to go. They locked me up in a psych ward, and while I was in there it kind of dawned on me that it was time to do something. It's funny; it's kind of a joke that writes itself, you know you have a drug problem when Johnny Knoxville does an intervention on you.

California has a 51/50 law, where if people are deemed to be harmful to themselves or others you can lock them up for 72 hours in the psych ward. They did that to me. When I got to the hospital and I realized I wasn't going to be able to explain that it was all a big misunderstanding, I became really belligerent and throwing chairs, so they changed my status to 52/50, which means a two week hold. I had two weeks to think about my situation. It only took seven days for me to come to terms with the idea of getting help.

When did you realize you'd hit rock bottom?
I can't say I even really hit my bottom until I'd already been sober for 100 days. After 100 days, the fog really cleared enough for me to realize it was me who needed the favor. That's exactly how it turned out. Really having examined myself and my situation, I felt like I really hated myself, I couldn't forgive myself, I really didn't want to live. I felt suicidal at that point.

So I went into psych ward number two and when I was in there, I was writing in my journal and at the bottom -- after writing about wanting to kill myself -- I wrote this is what we call self-pity. I realized I wasn't suicidal. I just needed to create a new history and stop doing all the things that made me feel so bad.

What is your life like now?
I lead a very simple life now. It's important to me that I water my plants. I take care of two rescue dogs. I volunteer at a nursing home. I live in a two bedroom apartment. I drive a Nissan. I'm mindful about helping other people who are going through similar situations that I went through. That's really the basis. It's learning to help other people and to be concerned. That's really the foundation of recovery.

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Just 'Jackass'

Steve-O and Jason 'Wee Man' Acuna arrive at the "Jackass 3D" Los Angeles Premiereat Mann Chinese 6 on October 13, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. "Jackass 3D" Los Angeles Premiere - Arrivals Mann Chinese 6 Los Angeles, CA United States October 13, 2010 Photo by Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage.com To license this image (62046195), contact WireImage.com

Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage.com

WireImage.com

Burlesque Premiere

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 15: Singers/actresses Christina Aguilera (L) and Cher pose at the after party for the premiere of Screen Gems' "Burlesque" at The W Hotel on November 15, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Burlesque Premiere

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 15: Singer/actress Cher (L) and Screen Gems president Clint Culpepper pose at the after party for the premiere of Screen Gems' "Burlesque" at The W Hotel on November 15, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Burlesque Premiere

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 15: Singer/actress Cher poses at the after party for the premiere of Screen Gems' "Burlesque" at The W Hotel on November 15, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Burlesque Premiere

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 15: (L-R) Writer/director Steven Antin and singers/actresses Christina Aguilera and Cher pose at the after party for the premiere of Screen Gems' "Burlesque" at The W Hotel on November 15, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Burlesque Premiere

HOLLYWOOD - NOVEMBER 15: Writer/Director Steven Antin, Christina Aguilera and Cher at Screen Gems Los Angeles Premiere Party of "Burlesque" at W Hollywood Hotel on November 15, 2010 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Eric Charbonneau/WireImage)

Burlesque Premiere

Tags: Jackass, Steve-o

Comments

(70)

Saturday 20 November

By Peter

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Congratulations & keep up the good work helping others & staying sober!!!

By Mrs. Finkelstein

Steve had what is known as "a moment of clarity" while in the psych ward. How awesome! He is truly a power of example and a miracle. I had my "moment" in 1986, locked up in a cell. Thank God!

By frontdeskmbp

nice.

By Suzy

Congratulations Steve.You are a great inspiration to a lot of people.I wish you continued success in life.You are a great man and a funny guy too.Keep smiling.

By ohiobass

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awsome Stevo!
I've always like your crazy antics, but it's nice to see you "wake up", and enjoy life in a more sane way! :^)

Go Stevo!

Sunday 21 November

By Bill

Really happy for Steve-O. My son loves the show and movies, we eat at Wee Man's Tacos in Redondo often and my boy knows I'm sober 17 years. Explaining to my teenager the problems and issues S-O must be going through was difficult but would have been impossible if I was still using. It was hard to see some of the videos with Steve obviously wasted, glad he's trying to find peace. Hey, I know the movies are kind of crazy, but we used to watch Three Stooges when I was a kid (still do) and this ain't much different.

By thescam

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Steve-o's no fun any more. We used to get tweaked, hammered...you name it...he would snort anything... He was my party hero. Anything I would do, he could double the amount! He was a party role model for sure. We've pretty much knocked him off the wagon now...won't be long til he's hangin back with us. He knows what matters most! Getting messed!

By Dewfl

Steve O............I loved you on Dancing With the Stars. You are naturally funny, intelligent, witty and have everything going for you. Good luck with your continued recovery. Good luck with your desire to help others. Don't let anyone bring you down. LIFE can be beautiful when we are able to see it clearly.
Good luck! Prove the doubters wrong!!!!!!!! Yay, Steve-O

By Jennifer

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SteveO. Congrats. You look great and we are soooo happy for you. Keep it up buddy. We love you!!!!!

By Rob

Congrats Steve-0 I'm really happy for you.

By BROC

Low Ranked Vote down Vote up Report this

Not the besty interview.......... what was he strung out on? meth , Booze, Pot?

Kenny Nash

youtube KENNY NASH "DESIRE"

By Kookie

WOW He doesn't even look the same! Intervention is a life saver I'm glad he had friend's who cared enough about him and his well being. Great Job Dude!! Keep up the Awesome work....

By jerrysizzle

GOOD FOR STEVE, ITS GREAT TO HAVE HIM WITH US.

By DonDee

It's not a shame to make a mistake, it's a shame not to learn from it. Steve, you're a very fortunate man, more so then you know. You're blessed to have friends in your life that REALLY care enough to go to extremes to help you out. A lot of people aren't that lucky. Stay strong brother.

By Wendy

WOW. I never knew this about Steve-O!! I am so glad he's on the right track. He's an awesome & funny guy!! I've always liked Johnny better than the rest of them & Steve-O was next to the bottom of my list. Now he's right behind Johnny after knowing this about him!!!

By oneclnredhead

Sobriety is A Beautiful thing!!! WTG Steve~O ! what a lucky guy to hAVE friends like johnny and others who cared that much about you..... I have 6 1/2 years cln!! You INSPIRE ME!!!!!

all My Best
AMY

By SteveOSquared

One day at a time bro,one day at a time!.

By ARMY

ATTABOY!! I know, been there - The World stage can make you get crazy, almost an invincible feeling - but yer just foolin yourself! ME 1½ years, and glad I did, and never felt better..... although I will say,, I had more money when I was drinking, than now being sober.. how is dat possible!! GOOD LUCK

By Ronny the K

Way to go Steve -O! Better then saying rest in peace like I've been doing so much lately!

By britt

Mmmmmm...
Steve-O is so hot :)

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