The 'Situation' About Substance Abuse

Jersey Shore’s Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino’s hard-partying ways might have gotten him into a substance abuse situation, but he’s allegedly getting help.

TMZ reported that the MTV star’s excessive habits were worse than ever during production of the show’s most recent season. According to the gossip site, the Sitch recently checked into rehab after realizing he was spinning out of “control.”

Apparently Sorrentino had been showing signs of addiction for a while, but “he was getting worse” as the season progressed. Several sources told TMZ that Sorrentino was “acting paranoid” on set. The episode where the group goes camping added fuel to the fire, as the Jersey Shore star was seen sweating profusely and acting jittery.

However, his reps told E! News that he’s not in rehab: "He has spent the past several weeks at an undisclosed location for much needed rest and recuperation after his extensive production and appearance schedule."

A study from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) found 23.5 million people ages 12 or older needed treatment, but only 2.6 million (11.2%) received it at a special facility. And contrary to popular belief, most of them WEREN’T celebs.

Below are some facts on substance abuse/rehabilitation.

• Over 40% of people who check into drug rehabilitation facilities are there because of alcohol abuse.
• Of that number, almost half of them either quit the program or are terminated before completion.
• Only 44% of patients in an alcohol rehabilitation program successfully complete it.
• The number of crack cocaine addicts who check into an abuse center is drastically higher than its powder counterpart.
• In 2007 (the most recent poll), there were 66,858 non-smoked cocaine admissions. Whereas, there were 167,914 smoked cocaine admissions.
• There were 246,871 heroin treatment admissions for 2007.
• Marijuana is the single most abused drug in the U.S., according to a 2008 study by NIDA.
• 15.2 million individuals had smoked pot in the 30 days prior to taking part in the study.
• However, the 2007 Treatment Episode Date Set (TEDS) report shows that there were only 287,933 people sought treatment for their marijuana addiction.

What can you do?

• 11 facts about teens and drug use.
• Know the background on drug abuse.
• Start a drug awareness campaign at your school.