We know the Jersey Shore cast has done quite a bit of growing up since the MTV reality series ended five years ago — and Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, in particular, has come a long way. He’s been open in the past about struggling with his addiction and going to rehab once they kissed the shore goodbye for good, though fans still have one burning question: what was Mike addicted to?

The reality star, who is getting ready to pop the question and start trying for babies with his longtime girlfriend, Lauren Pesce, struggled with an addiction to painkillers. He’s completed two stints in rehab and opened up to In Touch exclusively about his journey to sobriety — and admitted that he’s been sober for 18 months and appreciates all the support from his fans and loved ones.

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“People don’t realize that it’s gonna get better. I went through the process, and when you’re doing it, it’s really one day at a time. So I really think that by living one day at a time, and taking suggestions, and having a sponsor — there’s just a better way to live,” he said. “I lived that crazy life, I really have. I have the craziest stories. I used to jump out of moving cars and stuff. I was a maniac. It was only going like three miles per hour, but it was still moving — and that was the insanity I was going through during my crazy days of partying.”

It is great to hear that he is doing better, and he added that he attends 12-step meetings during the day as well as going to the gym. He gushed, “I’m so grateful to be in my 30s now and healthy, and happy, and peaceful, and positive. When I show up to a room, it’s like — you know I’m there.”

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