The Hills star Jason Wahler claims reality TV fame fuelled addiction that led to suicide attempt

The 29-year-old discusses the 'downward spiral' that came with overnight fame

Wahler in 2006 (Getty)

Jason Wahler has exposed the darker side of reality TV, claiming the fame that came with his appearance on The Hills ignited his addiction battles which he says led to a suicide attempt.

Wahler appeared in the first few seasons of MTV’s long-running reality television show documenting the lives of Lauren Conrad, Heidi Montag, Whitney Port and Audrina Patridge - all 20-something residents of Beverly Hills embarking upon careers in fashion and PR. The show was a spin off from Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County, which Wahler also starred in, one of the first reality shows of its kind.

In both The Hills and Laguna Beach the 29-year-old was a love interest of the main star Conrad. While the show brought cast members overnight fame which came with exclusive invitations, photoshoots and sizeable paycheques, Wahler has highlighted a darker, lesser-known side he experienced from the show.

“There were a lot of pros – there was a lot of things that came overnight that were very, very glamorous,” he told Entertainment Tonight. “And that’s when the downward spiral happened for me.

“It ignited my addiction and things started to domino effect right before our own eyes, and before you knew it, it got out of control and I couldn’t handle it."

Wahler’s alcoholism and attempts at rehabilitation were documented on the show. What wasn’t documented were the extremes his addiction led him to, including a suicide attempt.

“My addiction drove me to suicide,” he said also revealing he was addicted to cocaine. “Not contemplation - actually attempting suicide - and somebody found me and that’s why I’m still here today. I’m very grateful for that.”

While Wahler says the show “ignited” his addiction he doesn’t blame the show for causing it.

“Addiction is genetic,” he said. “There’s forms of it. It was going to happen no matter what… The TV show might have ignored it, or added fuel to the fire, but it didn’t cause it.”

Wahler has been sober since June 2013 and has since opened a rehab centre in Orange County.

“It’s crazy to look at where things are. I never would have guessed six years ago, I would be working in recovery, substance abuse and mental health considering I was paid to party. That was the last thing I thought was going to happen,” he said.