SWAGGER had the opportunity to sit down with Wahler to discuss his incredible journey, as well as the meaningful alignment he has with the Oakvine Recovery Center and Red Songbird Foundation. Jason Wahler is the epitome of a modern-day SWAGGER man.

SWAGGER:

Tell us about the amazing partnership you have with the Oakvine Recovery Center. Why is it important to you?

Jason:

For those that don't know, I struggled for many years with substance abuse, mental health and addiction.

Oakvine Recovery is an Intensive Outpatient (IOP) and Partial Care (PHP) program, so that means they focus on the aftercare portion of treatment, and to me, that's where it's most important. You know, detox and residential are very important, but after you actually arrest the disease and get stabilized, it's really important that you have a good transitional program.

SWAGGER:

You serve on the board of directors for the Red Songbird Foundation where treatment scholarships are available and offered. How does an individual in need apply for a scholarship?

Jason:

The Red Songbird Foundation’s main goal is to create the safest and most trusted resource for people that are struggling with substance abuse and mental health. It's freestanding and is not aligned or connected with any actual treatment centres, but the scholarships that we give are based on the necessity of the client's needs. Year-to-date, we have actually given away over a million dollars in treatment scholarships. So many people that are struggling don't have the means to get the help that they need, so we wanted to make it more accessible to those individuals.

It's so needed and has become a passion project for me, for sure.

To apply, applicants just need to visit Redsongbird.org and fill in an application form.

SWAGGER:

What should an individual look for when they are looking for a treatment centre?

Jason:

That's a very good question and it's something that we try to provide through the Red Songbird Foundation, getting people educated on what they're actually going up against.

One of the things that I highly recommend for people that are seeking guidance or help when looking for treatment is to look at the credentials of the staff, such as the medical director, psychiatrist, therapist, case manager, etc.

Find out if there's an ACM-certified doctor there and see the turnover rate. If you can, do an on-site tour and find out how often you will meet with your case manager or therapist and what their programming looks like. It’s important to do the work and make sure that they are offering what they say they are.

SWAGGER:

You are well known for being on MTV’s Laguna Beach and The Hills. If you could go back in time and give your younger self advice prior to filming, what advice would you give yourself knowing what you know now?

Jason:

You know, that's another great question, because I wouldn't be where I am today if I hadn't gone through the experiences that I did. If I could give myself one piece of advice, it would be to be nicer to myself. At a very young age, I put a lot of pressure on myself, which was not healthy. I think a lot of young people could use that advice.

SWAGGER:

What does it mean for you and your growth, to be able to give back and help a person in need?

Jason:

There is nothing more gratifying than giving back and not looking for anything in return. I mean, a mantra that I live by is do something nice for somebody and don't get caught.

SWAGGER:

Season 2 of The Hills: New Beginnings launched in the summertime. Can fans expect a third season?

Jason:

You know what's funny? I'm actually sitting here with Frankie Delgado (fellow The Hills: New Beginnings cast member). We actually were just talking about that and I can tell you we honestly don't know. I think there has been good momentum with Season 2 and I would hope they'd bring it back, but we'll have to see.

SWAGGER:

If you could give advice to someone who is struggling with mental health or addiction, what advice would you give them?

Jason:

You know, so many people are struggling and have shame and guilt associated with what it is they're struggling with.

I'd say, you're not alone, and if you want to do something about it, this is the last day you'll ever have to feel like this. I think it's important to understand that you are struggling with an illness and that there is a solution.

This interview has been shortened for brevity.

If you or someone you know is in need of support, it’s OK to ask for help.

If you are struggling with addiction please visit:

www.redsongbird.org, www.oakvinerecoverycenter.com, www.camh.ca or call 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Need someone to talk to?

CANADA: Call 1-833-4566

USA: Call 1-800-273-8255