Jake Anderson grappled with addiction and homelessness – ‘Without Deadliest Catch I wouldn’t have made it’

This year marks a decade since Jake Anderson of Deadliest Catch released his book, Relapse. The fourth-generation fisherman grappled with all kinds of hardships in his life prior to appearing on the show. More tragedy came his way after becoming a cast member. But, Jake managed to conquer his demons and is set to appear in season 20 of the show.

Deadliest Catch has been airing on the Discovery Channel since 2005. The long-running show features cast members fans are now very familiar with, including Sig Hansen and ‘Wild’ Bill Wichrowski. As the seasons roll on, many viewers get to know more about the fishermen who risk their lives at sea. Jake Anderson reflects on his younger “naive” years ahead of season 20’s release this June.

Jake Anderson reflects on life before Deadliest Catch

This June, Jake shares with Discovery fans he “was a young, naive kid,” adding that “before the show” he was “not doing very well due to alcohol and drugs.”

He said: “Here I was in the most uncomfortable environment the earth can provide.”

The interview cuts to clips of Sig telling the young fishermen he has to “put his pride aside,” and to forget having his own opinion.

The reality TV star told of how becoming a captain changed his life: “…it documented me growing up… and that’s when I started trying to be the good worker for the team that I was on, and for me, because I wouldn’t [have] made it.”

A lot has changed since Deadliest Catch star’s book release

Captain Jake released his book, Relapse, in 2014. But, ten years on and the Deadliest Catch star’s life looks very different.

He’s still a cast member on the show and will appear in the all-new season 20 episodes this June.

Jake takes to Instagram to share videos of himself playing the guitar and signing, as well as spending time with his family.

Despite having his dreams of becoming a skateboarder dashed in his youth due to injury, addiction, and homelessness, Jake now appears to be doing great.

He not only dealt with addiction issues, but he also dealt with the untimely losses of his sister, father, and mentor, Phil Harris.

Jake is now a father himself and shares videos and photos of his family life on the ‘gram.