For a number of reasons, with the most prominent being chronic pain and all of the bad parts of celebrity life, a lot of pro wrestlers have developed substance abuse problems. Painkillers, muscle relaxers, GHB, tranquilizers, ecstasy, and more have all been trendy in the wrestling world at different points, and all with tragic consequences. Going back at least to Brian Pillman's death, WWE has been very pro-active about sending wrestlers to rehab. Get caught falling asleep/passing out when you shouldn't be, and WWE will try to get you help. Show up habitually late...same thing. They pay attention to the warning signs and act accordingly. Wrestlers are less protective of their friends being "found out" than they used to be, too, because in the end, they need help. Many wrestlers credit the company with saving their lives. A few years ago, WWE took the unprecedented step of offering to pay the full cost of an inpatient drug treatment program to any wrestler who had ever had a talent booking contract with them. For example. someone like the late Lanny Kean, whose run as Cousin Junior in the mid-'80s is a footnote, was able to get rehab free of charge. No two wrestlers' stories are the same, but everyone on this list still shares a lot in common with each other. A few didn't go through WWE to get help, but all made impressive progress after being thought to be lost causes. It never stops being a struggle, but these men were able to regain control over their lives and get their health in order, and that's a great thing.
Formerly the site manager of Cageside Seats and the WWE Team Leader at Bleacher Report, David Bixenspan has been writing professionally about WWE, UFC, and other pop culture since 2009. He's currently WhatCulture's U.S. Editor and also serves as the lead writer of Figure Four Weekly and a monthly contributor to Fighting Spirit Magazine.
