In the latest episode of NBC reality survival show "Running Wild With Bear Grylls," fans of "Neighbors" actor Zac Efron saw all sides of him as he tries to live in the jungle for two days with show host Bear Grylls. But what people didn't expect is that Efron had taken the chance to talk about his addiction struggles in the past, which led to his rehab stints last year.
In one scene, Efron was seen discussing with the survivalist about his life in Hollywood, which could have ended badly if he had not considered treatment. US Magazine quoted the actor, who said, "It was just so quick -- it was shocking. The challenging part was never the work, that was never it. It was sort of the in-between work -- the social aspects outside of it; everywhere you go [there are press and people watching] ... and it can be confusing ... and pretty soon you need a social lubricant."
He continued, "Once it became that ... it got to the point where I was caring less about the work and waiting more for the weekend where I couldn't wait to go out and let loose and have fun. But when Monday and Tuesday were difficult to get through, I thought, 'This is bad.'"
Efron then shared how he was able to get through that episode in his life. He stated, "I just really never again want to take anything from the outside in to feel ... comfortable in my present skin, and that takes a lot of work. It's just meditation and stopping and slowing down your brain."
Last September, E! News confirmed that the actor was declared healthy after his last stint in rehab for alcohol addiction. One source said then, "He's healthy, happy and not drinking. He's taking time to focus on working."
Aside from showing his vulnerable side, Efron was quite the adventurous and curious fellow on the NBC show, Buzzfeed noted. Efron was clearly fascinated with a beaver swimming upstream at a nearby lake while waiting for Grylls' helicopter. He did not bat an eye when he jumped out of a helicopter, and he made fun of how his junk was packed during his descent down.
Efron was also a risk-taker in several scenes, and at one point picked up what looked like a dead rabbit while rappelling down a cliff. He also chowed down a live worm first, then a worm omelette after, and showed his disgusted face while he was chewing and eating them.
But the star of the show clearly was Efron's muscular physique, and there was a body competition of sorts when Grylls and the "High School Musical" star stripped off their shirts to go down on a waterfall.
US Magazine said that Efron is the first celebrity who appeared on the survivalist show. In two weeks, Channing Tatum will guest-star in the reality television show, Vulture confirmed.