Richie Sambora - Sambora Thanks Bon Jovi Pals For Sobriety

Rocker RICHIE SAMBORA has thanked his BON JOVI bandmates for his new-found sobriety - because they insisted he seek help after watching him sink into a drink and drugs haze.

Jon Bon Jovi and his pals staged a semi-intervention during a rehearsal and urged the guitarist to enter rehab and address his issues once and for all.

He recalls, "I was still showing up to work but I wasn't nearly as good as I should have been. Jon and the guys said, 'Hey, you've gotta take care of this and you've gotta take care of this now."

Sambora tells news show Access Hollywood his father's cancer battle and his split from wife Heather Locklear turned him on to excessive drinking and prescription pills.

He adds, "It got away from me. My dad was dying of cancer, I was going through a divorce and there was just a bunch of crap, but I came through it with flying colours."