In this weeks episode, Joey comes back from rehab.  It was really great to have him back in the house.  It felt like a missing puzzle piece had returned home!

It was frustrating to watch some of the roommates ignore both Joey's and the addiction specialist's requests and go out drinking his first night home.  It was hard for the roommates to understand that the reason they shouldn't drink in front of Joey is not a judgement on them, it's just a way to show support for their friend.

I have done my own share of drinking (my 21st birthday comes to mind) so obviously, I think it's fine to have fun. Just not in the house in front of a recovering alcoholic that we love and want to support.  Joey felt frustrated when Brianna told him she didn't owe him anything, and I have to agree that it wasn't about owing him anything, but just about being a good friend.  

I love Joey, and I tried to let him know that even though the roommates didn't understand how to deal with this particular situation, they actually do care and want to see him succeed.  I know how important it is to have people there to support you when dealing with addiction, and did what I could to be there for Joey.

Ultimately, the real world house is not the place for a recovering alcoholic, but it took Joey learning the hard way to realize it.