Wrestling with Addiction in the WWE

Wrestling with Addiction in the WWE

Alcoholism and drug abuse have been a problem in the WWE for years. Much like other entertainers, wrestlers seek substances to replicate the high they get from performing. Despite the WWE’s lengthy Substance Abuse and Drug Testing Policy, famous names such as Rick Rude, Bam Bam Bigelow, Eddie Guerrero and Davey Boy Smith all lost their lives to drugs or alcohol. Countless others have battled addiction. Among them are Scott Hall, Jeff Hardy and Matt Hardy.

CM Punk is a different sort of wrestler. After growing up in an alcoholic home, CM Punk pledged to abstain from drug and alcohol abuse. He became one of the best wrestlers in the WWE as well as an outspoken “straight edge” role model for fans everywhere. For a time, CM’s Straight Edge Society, an “alliance” in the WWE world, promoted abstinence from drinking, smoking and drugs. Interestingly, many have tried to force CM Punk to drink and break his sobriety pact, disrespecting his morals. Perhaps unbeknownst to them, alcoholism has genetic factors; his alcoholic parent makes him more susceptible to developing alcohol abuse and alcoholism if he starts to drink. Alcohol addiction and abuse has negative consequences on the brain and body, not to mention its destructive implications for his wrestling career.

It’s impossible to say how many entertainers in America we witness drunk or high in the media each year, but we rarely consider the effects of their addictions. Addiction wreaks havoc on a person’s health, social life and finances. It may start out with a drink or two, but it can quickly spiral out of control. The only true way to get substance abuse under control and start living the abstinent, straight edge lifestyle like CM Punk and his followers is to enter addiction treatment. Addiction treatment at a comprehensive, medically based drug rehab center can get substance abusers back on track to living the clean and sober lives they deserve.