Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, who is nearly ten years sober, has taken a major step in helping others struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.
The Jersey Shore star, 43, opened his first outpost of the Archangel Centers treatment facility in Tinton Falls on Thursday.
“I have made all the mistakes that most would make,” Sorrentino told New Jersey Monthly at the opening. “I have acquired all of the knowledge and education and experience needed to now teach others how to be successfully recovered like I am.”
Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino opens up Archangel Centers in Tinton Falls on Thursday. Photo: Jessica Hammer
Sorrentino founded Archangel with his wife of seven years, Lauren Sorrentino, who has stood by his side during his darkest days and into recovery.
The center offers a partial hospitalization program, an intensive outpatient program and an outpatient program. It also provide a dual diagnosis treatment for those struggling with both addiction and mental health issues.
Sorrentino released his memoir, Reality Check: Making the Best of the Situation, in 2023, getting deeply personal about the depths of his drug addiction while filming Jersey Shore, his rocky road to sobriety and his stint in prison for tax evasion.
Inside Archangel’s offices. Sorrentino founded the center with his childhood pal Michael Smilovitch (aka Mike Smilo). Photo: Jessica Hammer
He says that being vocal about his journey shows people in active addiction that vulnerability is strength and proves that recovery is possible. On December 24 of this year, Sorrentino will celebrate 10 years of sobriety.
“My main goal is to change the stigma of addiction and let people know that we’re all human and we make mistakes, and everyone is deserving of a second chance,” he says. “The comeback is always greater than a setback.”
Sorrentino was surrounded by love at the Archangel opening on Thursday. His wife and three kids were there, as well as his Jersey Shore co-stars Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, Jenni “JWoww” Farley, Deena Nicole Buckner, Vinny Guadagnino, Ronnie Ortiz-Magro and Angelina Pivarnick. The local government also showed their support with New Jersey Senator Vin Gopal, Tinton Falls Mayor Risa Clay and the Tinton Falls police at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
For Sorrentino, this first facility is only the start. He would like to see an Archangel Centers in all 50 states, and hopefully expand it on an international scale.
“When people come in here, their life is on the line, whether they realize it or not. This can and will be the turning point in people’s lives,” he says.
