Ronnie Ortiz-Magro’s Journey to Sobriety

Gym, tan, recovery. Ronnie Ortiz-Magro, a star from Jersey Shore: Family Vacation, is celebrating four months of sobriety. This follows a tumultuous period during the April press tour for the series’ final season, which sparked rumors of drug use. Ortiz-Magro, 40, clarified to The Post that his drowsy appearance during a SiriusXM interview resulted from Seroquel, a medication he takes for insomnia and bipolar disorder. He stated, “Everyone’s like, ‘Oh, he’s on fentanyl, he’s on opiates.’ And it’s like, ‘F–k, I’ve never done any of that in my life.’”

The Bronx native explained that when using his drug of choice, cocaine, he would have been energized enough for numerous interviews. He began using cocaine again in January, feeling that his prescribed medications, including Seroquel, Abilify, Zoloft, and Wellbutrin, were not effective. Ortiz-Magro shared, “I got to a point where it was like, ‘Well, the drugs that I’m taking aren’t working, and it’s like, I feel like s–t every day.’”

During the SiriusXM interview, many assumed Ortiz-Magro had relapsed. However, he explained that he was simply exhausted after taking Seroquel at 3 a.m. before an early morning call time, leading to the infamous incident. Afterward, he sought help at Beond, a treatment center in Cancun, Mexico.

Ortiz-Magro was battling addiction and depression, challenges deep-rooted in family genetics. His father struggled similarly, though he has been clean for 20 years. Recognizing his need for help, Ronnie reached out to Beond after experiencing suicidal thoughts, seeking the center’s unique treatment involving ibogaine, a plant-based psychedelic illegal in the U.S.

“The ibogaine, it takes away those cravings,” Ortiz-Magro explained. “So now you’re able to just live life without having … we call it ‘monkey brain.’”

Ortiz-Magro, previously in rehab in West Palm Beach, noted a difference at Beond, where patients from around the world shared an openness to change, driven by the urgency to avoid dire outcomes.

Since returning home, Ortiz-Magro focuses on being a father to his 8-year-old daughter, Ariana, from his relationship with Jen Harley. He maintains sobriety through attending church, AA meetings, and engaging in activities with his daughter.

Sharing his progress, Ortiz-Magro posted on Instagram about maintaining sobriety without needing medications for depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. The post received nearly 4 million views, inspiring messages of support from fans. He reflected, “People love the old Ronnie, but they love this Ronnie more.”