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How did Ryan Sheckler go from being the star of a hit MTV show to struggling with alcohol use disorder? Representing his experiences as a skateboarding star, The Life of Ryan also placed severe pressure on the teenager. First airing in August of 2007, the show chronicles the challenges of being a pop cultural phenomenon while still in high school. However, the pressures of starring in such a show often damage young lives.

After finishing the show, Ryan Sheckler began drinking to escape the sense of loss and emptiness in his life. Hence, alcohol became his best friend during that difficult time. Now married and the father of a child, Ryan proudly proclaims that “being sober is the best decision that I made for my life.”

Ryan Sheckler Bravely Reveals Youthful Difficulties

In his upcoming documentary, Rolling Away, the former MTV personality does not hesitate when faced with tough questions. Indeed, he truly believes that his experience can help others facing similar difficulties. As a direct consequence, he reveals that he struggled with alcohol addiction following his years as the subject of the series The Life of Ryan.

As a young skateboarder, Sheckler went pro at age 14 and achieved massive success. This success led to his MTV reality show, which he starred in with his mother. Ryan Sheckler also made guest appearances as himself in various kids’ shows, including What’s New, Scooby Doo? and True Jackson VP. However, the more famous he became, the greater the backlash from the skateboarding community. In the shadows of the show, Ryan became a target in the skateboarding community.

The Pressure of the Show and the Desire to Drink

Because of the show, the teenager was accused of being a sellout, and many of his friends and skateboarding comrades ostracized him. Ryan reveals, “The hate started coming in from my peers that I respected, and they were talking behind my back. I was just an easy target. Honestly, it fueled me to skate harder and do more ridiculous things.” Given the pressures, it is not surprising that alcohol use disorder became an easy answer

Indeed, as a provider of Youth and Family Services for alcohol use disorder, TTC understands what happened to young Ryan. Under pressure, a coping mechanism became the best way to escape. Drugs and alcohol are the most common and easily accessible coping mechanisms for most young people. In a recent interview with E! News, Ryan explains, “I blame my drinking on myself. The show’s not responsible for that. It was me. I got caught up for years, and it became unmanageable. My passion for skateboarding was overtaken by my desire to drink.”

In 2016, Sheckler entered rehab to treat his alcohol addiction. Talking about the success of his recovery, Sheckler explains, “There’s no checking out. I deal with these emotions that come up, and that’s where the power is. (When the show first aired), I was a kid, so there’s been a lot of life and a lot of growth that’s happened. It’s hard to watch. Some episodes [are] just, like, a bratty little kid. That’s where my life was at that point, and I didn’t know any different.”

Ryan Sheckler Celebrates Love and Long-Term Recovery

Now married to Abigail Sheckler, Ryan Sheckler is a dedicated father to his daughter, Olive. Born in 2022, she is the apple of his eye and greatest joy. Rolling Away also documents the serious injuries Sheckler endured in the past five years, including a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and a broken vertebra in his lower back. Moreover, the skateboarder crushed the bones in his left ankle after a failed stunt. During the “gnarly” recovery process, Sheckler found his faith and became a born-again Christian.

In long-term recovery, Ryan Sheckler explains that his injury “was a chance for me to grow spiritually, mentally, and physically.” He also is proud that he did not relapse during his long road back from injury. Rather than abuse prescription painkillers or start drinking again, he relied on the love of his family. Indeed, today, Ryan Sheckler is a model of recovery.