Chet Hanks Recalls How His Sobriety Journey Started

Chet Hanks is bravely opening up about the harrowing three-day drug bender that served as a wake-up call, propelling his path to sobriety. 

His journey was evident in June, when the actor showcased a dramatic change, highlighting the striking contrast between his past struggles and the confident, healthy person he is today.

In a revealing moment on Tuesday’s episode of “Surreal Life: Villa of Secrets,” Chet opened up about a critical turning point in his life. 

Describing a drastic weight loss of nearly 30 pounds during this period, the 34-year-old recounted how he went from weighing 190 pounds to just 163, highlighting the severe impact of his addiction.

“I lost 27 pounds in three days, so my disease is gnarly. It’s not pretty,” he confessed. The actor reflected on being “broke, strung out, sucked up, just skinny, just at rock bottom” during this dark period. 

The realization of his dire situation became a turning point. Chet admitted that without a significant change, he faced either a grim future or a potential disaster. Chet admitted further, saying:

“I just knew, man, if I don’t change my life in a drastic way, either I’m not even going to be around or something bad, so bad, is going to happen that my life might as well be over.”

Speaking with his cast mate Tyler Posey, the TV personality then disclosed that it was now two years of clean living since then, a testament to his resilience and determination, per Page Six.

Chet’s recent candid revelation sheds light on the dramatic transformation he showcased in June. At the time, The Blast reported that he shared a striking before-and-after comparison on Instagram, highlighting his physical change. 

In the post, he juxtaposed an old selfie from his 20s with a current photo, demonstrating a significant change in his physique and tattoos. 

The contrast was striking: Chet now boasted a muscular build with a full chest and extensive arm tattoos, a far cry from his leaner, drug-affected appearance from a decade ago.

He provided context for these changes, noting his weight and mental state in the photos, “Left: 32, sober, 220lbs Right: 24, on drugs, 160lbs.” 

The reality TV star explained that his body type was an ectomorph, adding, “I have a naturally high metabolism, so it is hard to put on muscle. Until my late 20s, I didn’t look much different from the picture on the right.”

Chet attributed his impressive transformation to “substituting drinking and doing drugs with training and proper diet.”

This shift not only changed his physical appearance but also significantly altered his mindset. He encouraged his followers to pursue their own health goals, emphasizing that diet is crucial to achieving results.

Chet proved his newfound strength was not just for show when he found himself in a real-life action-hero moment. The actor was forced to defend his home from an intruder who attempted a break-in last November.

The Blast noted that rather than relying on security measures or weapons, Chet opted to defend his home with nothing but his fists. Local law enforcement disclosed that he delivered a decisive blow that stopped the intruder in his tracks before the police arrived.

The situation escalated when L.A. County Sheriff’s deputies arrived to apprehend the suspect, which led to one deputy suffering a broken leg. 

Both the injured officer and the suspect were subsequently taken to the hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, Chet emerged from the incident unhurt, highlighting his resilience and quick thinking.

The actor’s home invasion, though disruptive, highlighted the self-assurance he has developed through introspection and personal growth. Since April 2023, Chet has exhibited renewed confidence, notably moving away from his previous persona and sharing genuine motivational content.

In this particular Instagram post, Chet addressed his followers with a message about the power of introspection. He encouraged fans to take reflective walks or hikes, emphasizing the significance of self-conversation.

The TV personality shared, “I guarantee you that by the end of that conversation, you’re not going to feel like you’re walking alone. You’re going to feel like you’re walking with the king. Going to feel like you’ve been kicking it with your best friend.” 

Chet also underscored the importance of mindset and self-talk, stating, “Everything is how we talk to ourselves. Our self-talk and our mindset are everything.”

Chet Hanks’ journey to recovery is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of seeking help.