Jersey Shore‘s Ronnie Ortiz-Magro is celebrating his improved health after deciding to avoid drugs and alcohol.
“I was able to try a medicine that freed me from the struggle and the fight. I went to @beond.us (this isn’t a sales pitch). I can say it saved my life and it gave me my joy and love for the world back,” Ronnie, 40, wrote via Instagram on Tuesday, October 27. “It’s been 4 months. I haven’t had to take any depression meds, anxiety, bipolar and touched a drink or drug. Never too late to start over 💪 My journey starts now!”
Beond provides medically supervised ibogaine treatment for people living with PTSD, depression, anxiety and chemical dependency, with physician oversight, continuous cardiac monitoring and structured preparation and aftercare according to its website.
After Ronnie shared his story, the company reposted his Instagram and wrote, “It was an honor to support him, and we’re cheering him on as his journey continues.”
Ronnie, who shares daughter Ariana Sky Magro, 8, with ex-girlfriend Jen Harley, has been open about his struggles with mental health and addiction over the years.
At the beginning of the year, the reality star said he was at “one of the lowest points of my life.”
“My mental health and my addiction brought me to such a dark place it had me questioning whether this life is worth it,” he revealed. “I’ve always struggled with both but never at the same time. I felt something inside of me turn off. I stopped caring about the things that were most important to me. I started to resent this beautiful life I was given.”
In his latest social media post, Ronnie posted pictures as a reminder “of a person and place I never want to be again.”
“Hopeless, resentful, not present. The smiles were fake. The, ‘Yes I’m doing good’ were fake. I lost all enjoyment in things in my life,” he said. “I stayed in this for months. Knowing I was destroying everything I built and hurting the people I love.”
After praying every day for the strength to “take my life back,” Ronnie said he is feeling so much better both mentally and physically.
“Thank you all for the love and support from everyone,” he wrote.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
