Apr 4, 2016 | By Dannie Marden

Bam Margera Getting Sober

Addiction & Recovery News Pop Culture Recovery

image source: zimbio.com

For many who grew up in the late 90’s to early 2000’s, the Jackass crew and Bam Margera were notably one of the largest forms of mindless entertainment to hit your TV screen. From dangerous stunts involving wild animals, electrodes and basically anything engine-operated, the members of Jackass were known for their wild antics and their pretty ridiculous, media-driven and chaotic lifestyles.

In the past couple years, TV channels have sensationalized the members of Dickhouse TV’s rise and fall from fame. After the death of Jackass alum, Ryan Dunn, in a tragic car accident involving alcohol and high speeds, it seems that many of the outfit have fallen into some pretty dark and trying times.  Steve-O, a regular hell raiser known for his outrageous antics, was followed by MTV cameras chronicling his substance abuse in a violent downward spiral. Now, following Steve-O’s path, is longtime friend and Jackass pal Bam Margera.

Brandon Cole “Bam” Margera, of West Chester, PA lived a pretty lavish life, or so it seemed on camera. From becoming a professional skateboarder at a young age, to a reality star sensation on shows like Viva La Bam and Jackass, the now 36 year old is calling it quits, and we don’t mean retiring.  After three Jackass movies, two TV spinoffs and millions of dollars later, the star has slowly started to spiral. For those who remember Margera from seasons of Jackass and Viva La Bam, he is, for the most part, unrecognizable.  The TV star now overweight and with a full beard, has slowly started to realize that he is in the midst of a breakdown.

With the passing of Jackass member Ryan Dunn in 2011, Bam stated in an interview with Michael Lohan, owner of multiple treatment resources who is now in recovery, and US Weekly Magazine “Since Dunn got in that crash, everything changed dramatically, and instead of drinking for fun with your friends, [it] turned into drinking to forget.”

Among many, more private options for his treatment, Margera has agreed to go on a reality TV talk therapy show Family Therapy with Dr. Jenn on VH1 networks. Many reality shows have been made following celebrities both in treatment and in therapy, and this new one wont be very different. The cast members include Michael Lohan and ex Dina Lohan Teen Mom 3 star Briana Dejesus and sister Brittany Dejesus, Damon Dash and brothers Jeremy and Bobby Dash, Tiffany “New York” Pollard from I Love New York and Flavor of Love, and mother Sister Patterson, all alongside Bam and mother April Margera.

“Enough is enough. It’s not fun anymore, and [neither is] feeling like shit in the morning every fucking day.”

-Margera with US Weekly

With the show already on air, many are seeing just how serious his abuse has become, and how it has shocked and pained his family. With mixed reviews from fans, critics and magazines, we hope that Bam Margera will be able to turn over a new leaf.