Wrestler Marcus “Buff” Bagwell Undergoes Leg Amputation

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Marcus “Buff” Bagwell has made a difficult decision on his health.

After a five-year struggle to preserve his right leg following a 2020 car accident that harmed his kneecap, the star from World Championship Wrestling announced he would have an amputation surgery, above the knee.

In the video posted on July 18th, Bagwell expressed his enthusiasm and belief that this will turn out to be something truly remarkable. He also mentioned that he aims to transform a challenging circumstance into a positive one, much like he has done countless times throughout his life.

As a committed advocate, I confidently express my belief that this decision is spot on. I am optimistic that it will significantly improve the quality of my life.

After the accident, Bagwell shared that he encountered a string of health issues, one of which required him to spend seven weeks in the hospital and endure 21 operations. Due to these hardships, he turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism.

He went on to explain, ‘This situation plunged me into the most intense addiction I’ve ever encountered. My habit evolved into excessive drinking, carrying around tiny bottles instead of larger ones, thinking it was a better choice. However, having them always with me meant I was constantly drinking, which was quite irrational.’

Eventually, Bagwell turned away from alcohol, leading him to “three of the best years” of his life.

He confided, “In my entire life, what I truly understand is your struggle to improve. For the first time, I couldn’t resolve an issue myself. Instead of succumbing to my old habits and substance abuse, I chose sobriety.

Alongside his almost three years of being sober, Bagwell mentioned that he had gained clarity in choosing to amputate his leg rather than undergoing more painful surgical treatments.

He stated that when he gazes at his impending leg amputation, instead of feeling any moment of despair, he is instantly filled with an overwhelming sense of joy due to the past three years of his life.

Despite Bagwell’s video being made prior to his surgery, Maven Huffman, a fellow wrestler, affirmed in a different YouTube video that Bagwell had already gone through the amputation. This was during a hospital visit he documented.

He glanced over, and for a moment, there was a powerful impact that made him exclaim, ‘Wow, that’s intense!’ he said to Huffman, pointing at the spot where his leg once was. ‘I braced myself for that sight, expecting it to bring tears or a reassuring greeting like “Let’s get going.” But instead, it marked the start of a new phase, and I was fine.’

Continue reading to discover additional celebrities who have shared their experiences with overcoming addiction, and how this transformation affected their personal lives.

After the Backstreet Boys member relapsed in 2021, he noted he “got sober again for the last time.”

In July 2025, he shared with People that he was committed to seeing this through to the end. It’s something he does every day now, but by following advice from the sober community, his life has experienced a remarkable transformation for the better.

While AJ acknowledged he is “still learning, still growing,” he’s now confident in who he is.

He found some fresh phrases, like setting boundaries, which were previously unknown to him. Now, he acknowledges having them, and it’s a relief. AJ belongs to a particular group, but he represents a persona that doesn’t define my personal identity. I am Alexander James.

Last October 2018, the actor famously known for his role in “American Pie” shared on Instagram that he had completed one year without alcohol, expressing joy and inspiring others with his achievement.

5 years ago, he attempted to stop his addiction to alcohol and drugs, as the burden of his excessive consumption had become unbearable for him. He later realized that quitting was not going to be an easy task.

He added, “Despite a few setbacks, I’ve successfully completed a full year without alcohol. This accomplishment ranks among the proudest moments of my life. To those who are finding it tough, remember there is always hope. Never let embarrassment stand in your way. Together, we can overcome this.

Looking back now, I can’t help but reflect on my personal battle with addiction – a journey that I once tried to keep hidden from the world.

He shared during an episode of his wife Jenny Mollen’s ‘All the Fails’ podcast in March 2024, that he was attending therapy and dealing with issues, but following a productive session, he decided to leave therapy. Instead, he went to the liquor store, purchased a bottle of vodka, drank it, and then drove home. His intention was to get drunk enough to disconnect from his life, avoiding feelings associated with being present.

He mentioned, “I had everything planned perfectly. I made sure not to drink excessively so we could still converse comfortably. I kept refilling the bottles at the bar frequently.

 

This two-time winner of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Cup has been honest about abusing Adderall as she dealt with injuries during her university soccer years.

In a 2025 episode of the “Question Everything with Danielle Robay” podcast, she admitted to having developed a severe addiction to Adderall and abusing it excessively. She would frequently take it and often went without sleep for extended periods. This behavior became quite extreme as she felt like she was risking a heart attack. She would crush and snort the drug, which only worsened the problem. In essence, her experience with Adderall was extremely challenging.

However, in the midst of her struggle, her college coach Anson Dorrance was there to support her.

She shared that the situation became incredibly dark, necessitating significant changes, and Anson encouraged her to read. One of the books he recommended was “Man’s Search for Meaning” which delves into the topic of suffering, transforming it, and it profoundly impacted her life.

The Valley star shared his decades-long battle with drugs in March 2025 after going to rehab.

During the March 4th episode of Bravo’s Hot Mic podcast, Jax confessed, “I struggle with addiction, and my main issue is cocaine. It’s tough to verbalize this truth.

He’s had periods of dealing with this issue, starting from when he was 23 up until now, at 45 years old. There have been instances when he managed to avoid it, but other times, he found himself becoming deeply involved in it.

Jax chose to stop drinking, saying, “I’m not convinced I have an alcohol problem per se, but they often go together. I can’t use cocaine without also consuming alcohol. Consequently, I decided to quit both. I’m proud to announce that I’ve been sober for 82, 83 days now, which is the longest stretch I’ve ever managed without either substance in my life.

In 2022, the actor who plays Spider-Man in “No Way Home” decided to quit drinking alcohol because he felt like it was controlling him. Holland admitted on the “On Purpose with Jay Shetty” podcast that he had an addiction to alcohol, and anyone who drinks daily might have a similar issue.

Later on, he found himself thinking, “Gee, I wish I hadn’t had that extra beer,” as he continued. The following morning, he awoke with a throbbing headache.

He went on to say, “That’s when you realize, ‘Darn it, I really shouldn’t have drunk that last beer,'” and then added, “The next day brings a pounding headache.

After adopting this new lifestyle, Holland discovered that he now sleeps more soundly and manages issues more effectively.

He confided, “I found myself handling issues that typically upset me with more ease on set. My mind was clearer and sharper than ever before. I felt stronger, more vigorous.

The main character from “Hunt for Red October” seldom discusses his long-standing recovery from alcoholism, a journey he embarked on nearly four decades ago.

During his May 2024 podcast interview, he mentioned that the topic doesn’t come up frequently, but when it seems appropriate, he does address it. He also shared that he has been sober for 39 years now, with his sobriety date being February 23, 1985.

Reflecting on my transformation after relocating from bustling New York City to sunny Los Angeles in 1983, I can’t help but share a candid account of my life during those tumultuous years. In essence, I grappled with an insatiable addiction for approximately two years, consuming what felt like a trail of cocaine stretching from here to the distant planet Saturn. This vice was as commonplace as a morning cup of coffee among our circle back then, with many indulging in it throughout the day.

And after quitting the drug, he soon turned to alcohol—only to also quit that dependency. 

Today, he relies on the city around him. 

He mentioned that New York leaves him feeling tranquil, as if he continually discovers new aspects of it. He might gaze at a structure and exclaim, “I can’t believe I’ve never noticed that detail on that building, those doors!” He spends time having meals and coffee with friends there.

Back in April 2024, the actress who once played the princess in “The Princess Diaries” revealed that it’s been over five years since she last indulged in any substance. In her conversation with the New York Times, she expressed, “This five-year mark feels like a significant achievement to me.

Her understanding was straightforward. She confided, “I instinctively knew it wasn’t suitable for me,” and found the necessity of saying, ‘Nothing at all?’ seemed intensely challenging. However, if you’re sensitized to something or experience a severe reaction, you don’t debate it. Thus, I chose to stop debating it.

In my journey as a lifestyle enthusiast, making that choice has undeniably improved my life. I found that embracing this change has brought about nothing but positive outcomes, serving as a catalyst for growth. For myself, it served as a breeding ground for progress and I’ve always strived to avoid dwelling on the past or feeling stuck. Instead, I prefer to embrace the journey ahead with open arms.

During the 2018 Woman of the Year ceremony at the Peggy Albrecht Friendly House, a home assisting women in recovery from substance and alcohol addiction, Moore shared insights into the self-damaging trajectory that almost halted her professional journey.

The celebrity reflected on pivotal experiences in life that mold our identity and future choices. They mentioned a phase early in their career when they were heading towards self-destruction despite achievements. They never felt worthy, which led to a self-destructive path that eventually brought them to a critical point. At the time, they couldn’t understand why. However, they suggested it could have been some form of divine guidance.

In 2012, when I sought help for myself, I owe a heartfelt gratitude to two individuals whom I barely knew, who boldly presented me with an ultimatum – turn my life around or face the consequences. With a hint of determination, I said, “Unless I’m six feet under, I better show up.” It was a lifeline thrown at a sinking ship like me, offering a chance to steer the course of my life away from self-destruction before it was too late.

Moore remarked, “They saw a side of me that I didn’t even see in myself, and I’m profoundly thankful for it. Without their faith in me, without their observation, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

In 2022, Cyrus revealed that she has been recovering from her Xanax addiction since 2020. She explained to Rolling Stone that the drug provided her with structure during a time when she desperately needed it, as she didn’t want to be idle and consumed by her thoughts. She also mentioned that Xanax offered her hope.

The singer commented, “When I believed there was a moment to mute the world and dull your sorrow, it had ended.

She mentioned that her friends at one point seemed to tacitly approve of her drug abuse, which led to a deep, bottomless abyss of darkness. However, during the pandemic, Cyrus noticed difficulties and felt she wasn’t emotionally engaged. “I was constantly falling asleep,” she reminisced, “and couldn’t keep my head up or my eyes open because I had sunk so deeply.

She eventually sought help and noted that “it took some time to get on my own two feet.”

16 years ago, the former star of “Parenthood” had been living a sober life until a motorbike accident in 2020 led him to resume using Vicodin.

The actor from “Parenthood” had remained abstinent for 16 years, but he started taking Vicodin again following a motorcycle crash in the year 2020.

He mentioned during his “Armchair Expert” podcast that for the past eight weeks or so, he’s been using them quite a bit, but he’s not sure exactly how long. He is permitted to use them at certain doses due to a prescription, and he additionally enhances this with other means.

He went on saying, “I despise it, yet I find myself deceiving others. I recognize I must stop, but my tolerance is escalating so rapidly that I’m now consuming about eight 30s a day, and I understand this quantity will lead to a harsh withdrawal. This realization fills me with fear, and I feel increasingly isolated. I carry this immense secret within me.

In the year 2018, the actress known for her role in Halloween openly discussed her decade-long struggle with opiate addiction that started in the late ’80s following a cosmetic surgery to correct her inherited puffy eyes. This led to a prescription that significantly altered her life. She confessed to People magazine, “For ten years, I was stealing and manipulating, all while keeping it hidden from everyone.

In the sweltering summer of 1998, when my sister graced our home with a visit, she carried prescriptions for her rib injury-related painkillers. As I stood at the brink of despair, I realized these pills were tucked away in our guest room closet. Overcome by a craving that I couldn’t ignore, I found myself consuming most of her opiates before she departed. The thought of her discovering her missing medication upon packing was a fear I couldn’t shake. I penned a heartfelt confession and left it on her suitcase, bracing for the inevitable confrontation. When she returned to embrace me, her arms wrapped around me, expressing love and concern for my well-being, I knew she had sensed my struggle with substance abuse and was unwilling to stand by while I self-destruct.

On February 3, 1999, she participated in her initial gathering, which coincided with the time she shared her personal struggle with substance abuse to her filmmaker spouse, Christopher Guest. He expressed disbelief upon learning about it, and Curtis mentioned that she’s been abstinent from then on.

In 2021, Barrymore, who has previously sought treatment for alcohol and drug addiction, revealed a significant accomplishment in her personal journey. On the show CBS Mornings, she announced, “For the first time in a long while, I’m admitting that I haven’t had a drink of alcohol in nearly two and a half years. This is something I recognized no longer benefited me in my life.

As a passionate admirer, I can’t help but express this: There’s something extraordinary about baring our souls and uncovering the deepest aspects of ourselves – our truths, our passions, and the fruits of our labor. It’s an exhilarating mix of liberation and vulnerability that leaves one feeling both exposed and empowered at the same time.

Later on, Barrymore clarified to the Los Angeles Times that she refrains from using the term “sober” as she doesn’t wish to be perceived as a flawless Puritan or someone who is morally superior.

In 2023, she reflected, “I’d been telling myself, ‘I can conquer this, I’ll find the solution,'” but eventually it dawned on her: “The truth is, I never fully mastered this, and I probably never will.

During the early 2000s, the actor from “A Star Is Born” battled a cocaine addiction. However, friend Will Arnett intervened and addressed his questionable actions directly with him.

Cooper mentioned on the Smartless podcast in 2022 that it was the moment he first recognized his struggle with substance abuse, an experience he would never forget.

In his statement, Cooper acknowledged that Arnett played a significant role in him making the decision to live sober. He explained, “Arnett bravely engaged in a challenging discussion with me, which led me to reconsider my life choices and embark on a journey toward change.

In simpler terms, the star of Fight Club had battled alcohol addiction for many years before he managed to get sober thanks to Cooper’s help. At the 2020 National Board of Review Annual Awards, when Cooper presented him with an award, he expressed his gratitude by saying, “I owe my sobriety to this man,” and every day since then has been happier for him.

In September 2023, the former star of Cruel Intentions posted on Instagram that it had been the longest period since his teenage years that he hadn’t used either nicotine or marijuana, along with other substances.

He expressed gratitude for the liberation experienced upon overcoming addictions and the need for substances, stating that being sober brings a sense of clarity, improved well-being, and spiritual fulfillment.

Following a triumphant six-year sobriety milestone marked during a tour in 2018, the artist unexpectedly disclosed her relapse through the poignant confession single titled “Sober.

Mom, I regret that I’m no longer in control / Dad, I apologize for the alcohol I spilled on the floor / To those who have always stood by me / We’ve traveled this path before, and I’m truly sorry, I’m not in control anymore,” she sang.

A month later, Lovato was hospitalized for a near-fatal overdose.

Two weeks ago, she posted on Instagram that she’s been honest about her struggle with addiction from the start. She explained that this disease doesn’t just go away; instead, it’s something she has to keep working hard to overcome. Currently, she needs time to heal and prioritize her sobriety and recovery. The support you all have shown her will always be remembered, and she eagerly anticipates the day when she can share that she’s come out victorious. For now, she continues the fight.

In 2018, she spoke about her struggles with addictions to both sex and alcohol. “My addictions can change. They shift. When I was younger, I believe I had an addiction of some sort related to sex, yes, that I thought everything could be resolved through sex,” she explained, then discussed the moment she recognized she had a serious drinking issue.

She recalled hitting a low point when she was alone at home, with two bottles of wine already finished and reaching for a third. She paused, reflecting, “Wait a minute. Here I am, all alone at home, about to open my third bottle of wine? This could be a sign that I have an issue to address.

I quit abruptly, as I often do. You see, I have a tendency to get carried away and need to keep myself in check. Sometimes I can become overly engrossed with things. It’s not just the action itself that matters, but the motivation behind it. If you want to have a lot of sex, that’s fine, but what’s important is understanding why you’re doing it so much.

As an ardent admirer looking back, I recall the moment when one of the Backstreet Boys dared to experiment with drugs before our iconic 2000’s music video, “The Call.” Years after the fact, he confessed to Good Morning America that he was practically bouncing off walls during the filming. However, in 2021, he took a turn for the better and got sober, reaping numerous rewards just a year later. Among these blessings was shedding an impressive 32 pounds in mere seven months, by saying goodbye to alcohol and fast food.

In a conversation with Today in September 2022, he stated that consuming alcohol led to an increase in his weight. However, he added that it also negatively impacted his emotional well-being.

Following the unexpected demise of Mac Miller, the rapper formerly known as Shad Moss admitted on Twitter that he had battled an addiction to cough syrup in the past. In a series of tweets, Bow Wow (Shad Moss) revealed:

“To the youth- Abstain from these foolish drugs.” He began his message. “I’m going to reveal something. During our FACE OFF album collaboration, I was addicted to lean every day! When you saw me on BET arguing with Torae, I was high on lean. My behavior, my attitude—everything changed. My fans started turning against me, and so did my family. I never promoted lean in my songs. The entire time I was on the UCP tour with Chris [Brown], I was consuming 4’s at least seven times a day. I was addicted until our show in Cincinnati… I came off stage, passed out, and woke up in the hospital—I was going through withdrawal.”

“I had never felt such pain before,” Bow Wow continued. “Even though it was summer, I walked around with three hoodies on because I was so cold. I missed the Chicago show of that tour and Baltimore show BECAUSE I WAS HIGH AND SICK! That’s not cool, and I was doing it to fit in! Quit that stuff! Be a good child or parent. Strive to be the best you. I’ll start being more vocal. We need to save the youth from an early demise. Parents, watch your children. Talk to them. We want you all to live.”

“To this day, my stomach will never be the same, and it hasn’t been,” Bow Wow told his fans. “Drug-free is the way to go. Wise up, tighten up out here. We can’t afford to lose any more of you. Not one! I love all of you. The young artists, all the kids around the world—don’t follow a trend. Break the cycle. PEACE.

2018 saw the singer, Gwyneth Paltrow, reveal a great deal of candidness about her past struggles with addiction, as she released both her fourth studio album titled “No Shame” and her memoir, “My Thoughts Exactly.” In these works, she confessed to heavy abuse of cocaine and excessive drinking, reaching the point of being “parasitically drunk.” The turning point in her recovery came when an incident occurred at Kate Hudson’s Halloween party. After accidentally headbutting Orlando Bloom, she lost consciousness, leading Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow to stage an intervention.

She shared with The Guardian, “Nothing appeared to resonate or fulfill me. One morning during those gloomy times, I found myself contemplating, ‘Perhaps I should try heroin, as nothing else seems effective.’

In the turbulent ’80s, I found myself ensnared by a struggle with cocaine addiction that eventually led me to seek treatment in a rehabilitation center in 1990. Reflecting on this journey during an interview on Today, I acknowledged that my upbringing in the free-spirited ’60s and ’70s exposed me to a significantly more lenient perspective towards drugs than what is generally accepted today.

In 2018, he openly confessed that his daily routine during the ’80s often involved using cocaine. He also shared that he would frequently plead with God to remove this addiction from him, promising never to do it again if only God could grant him a reprieve until his work hours began. However, by 4 o’clock in the afternoon, he would think that it wasn’t so bad after all.

He described a moment he referred to as a profound, blindingly bright experience where he envisioned either his own demise or losing everything significant to him. Afterwards, he felt compelled to discuss this with his then-fiancée Meg Ryan. Consequently, he decided it was time to seek help and break free from his relationship with cocaine.

In 2018, following an incident at a Newport Beach hotel where Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte attempted to break down his own door, Lochte chose to seek treatment for alcohol addiction, which had been causing him significant problems for many years. According to his representative, the destructive pattern of his addiction was unfortunate but Lochte recognized that he needed professional help to overcome it and would be seeking immediate assistance.

Ryan realizes that overcoming this disease immediately is crucial for him to avoid making unfavorable choices later, to excel as a husband and father, and if he aims to regain his dominance in the pool during the 5th Olympics in Tokyo in 2020.

One significant factor behind the former Parenthood actor’s decision to quit drinking was his relationship with his wife, Melanie Lynskey. Despite understanding that it’s not advisable to give up alcohol for someone else, this partnership served as a crucial motivation for him in choosing sobriety.

During an interview on The Drew Barrymore Show in March 2023, he expressed that at some point he recognized her greatness and believed she would be perfect for someone who truly deserved her. However, he admitted that he didn’t feel like he was that deserving individual, and instead felt a bit unstable or off-balance.

However, as Ritter noted to TopMob News, he now sees that sobriety is ultimately a personal choice.

In the initial stages of their relationship, he found it simpler to claim that his actions were for her because at that point in time, he felt his self-worth wasn’t high. He didn’t value his own wellbeing as much as he valued sparing hers from harm. Thus, at first, it was easier for him to assert, ‘I’m doing this for her.’ Now, however, he’s doing it for himself.

The well-known country musician has been alcohol and drug-free for close to a decade, but getting there was a challenging journey. His dependence on alcohol and prescription painkillers started shortly after high school graduation and continued as his career flourished. He admitted that he always kept a black leather laptop bag loaded with bottles of Jagermeister or vodka within easy reach. Furthermore, he would take multiple drinks every hour and a half to two hours, and every three to four hours, he would take one or two pills. These details were shared in an interview with People.

In other words, he acknowledged that it didn’t hinder his prosperity at all. He put it this way: “I wasn’t tripping or anything, I was quite functional — I composed more tunes back then than I do today. That was the unsettling aspect.

Around the end of 2011, he was admitted to the hospital due to pancreatitis, and was warned that if he continued drinking, he wouldn’t live to see his next birthday. He attempted to quit on his own, thinking, “I’ll just take two pills today. I’ll only drink this much from my bottle and make a mark on the bottle,” but it didn’t last long—whenever someone threw a party, he would give in.

Eventually, he decided to ask for assistance, admitting himself into rehab on December 18, 2011. “I realized I needed help and it wasn’t something I could tackle alone,” Gilbert stated. “It enraged me immensely and left me feeling ashamed. Despite being a determined individual, this was the one aspect of my life I couldn’t seem to conquer.

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2025-07-19 04:49