I compleatly understand.  When a friend tells you something is up, listen.  Don't pressure them into anything.  A person struggling with addiction has a hard enough time telling themselves no, much less a friend or even family member.  I've been there.  Drinking and other things for me were a way of covering up even deeper issues.  I became so bad that i was drinking at work and buried myself so far down that i couldn't get out.  I tryed to tell friends and family that needed help and all they could say was relax you're just stressed.  I did what i could alone.  But whenever I was down someone would hand me a drink.  I became severly drepessed (A reason most people drink) and attepmted suicide, many times.  So take from me, been there done that, have the paper work to prove it.  It doesn't help to hand over another drink.  Be a friend listen, and be there.

hey joey, not too sure if you will read this, but just wanted to say , i struggle with my own addiction. i know what it feels like to have the "triggers", all the anxiety, thinking about it all the time, the highs and lows,..... just saw the episode and i know how it feels to be alone and feel like you did. hang in their,  i know every minute that passes is a succes, and wish you the best of luck on recovery.

ash

Hey Joey. I just watched the episode when you returned to the show. First of all, congradulations of completeing 28 days of rehab; I understand that it is an extremely difficult process and you pulled through. But I must say, I was bothered by the fact that hardly any of your roomates proved true support. I was pleased to see that Sarah was around for a bit., but I understand that they may not fully comprehend what you are going through. I myself struggle with alcoholism, and I am only 19. I actually cried after watching the episode when you decided to go to rehab; only because I could relate so much to what you were going through-binge drinking till early in the morning, blacking out and then suffering from anxiety through the roof the following day. All I can say is, keep your head up. I just wanted you to know that there is somebody out there around the same age that can understand what you're going through., I'm rootin for ya Joey =) stay strong.

xoxo,

Jenni.

Hey Joey,

 I just got finished watching the episode when you return to the house after you "vacation". I am very happy for you that you are trying hard to keep on the right path. Some people, when put into an environment like that, would have "1 drink and thats it...". I am really upset that your roomates didnt give you the support that you really needed. I was angry that they were talking about how they were going to be there for you and then the minute your home, its was "Hey dude, we're out....see you at 2am!". I just dont understand how they couldnt take that first night off to drink when you were there.

 I know what it is like for people to struggle with drinking and stay away from that scene. I have had friends that have struggled through the same problems that you are facing and fighting right now. Sometimes its best to stay home and support them by not reminding them of the problem that they are trying to over come.Alot of people come to me to talk and vent, and becuase I  hold my friends close to my heart, I listen, and sometimes thats all that someone needs. In fact my sister was struggling. It tore me apart when she would call me up drunk, or tell me about her wild weekend. Our dad was a user and an alcoholic, and it took a dramatic episode to get him to turn his life around. Anyway, I hope that you will surround yourself with people that will be there to support you and be there when you really need it. Its a life long battle, but if you remember what is important to you, you can overcome it. Good luck to you!!!!

~*Sam~*

Joey...Bro I know what your going through. I've had my own struggles with various different substances and have even gone as far as trying suicide a few times. I had to be thrown into rehab rather than by choice. The fact that you decided to go on your own shows true character. I'm proud of you man and it's that quality in a person that is much to be desired by most other people. I know most guys wont admit to crying but your struggle brought me to tears because it brought me back to my past struggles. I know your having a hard time with it but most other people would not have been able to take the situation and handle it the way that you did. I hope the way the roomates handled the situation didnt reinforce the idea that no one cares, because we do, we are all pullin for you joey. I really admire you bro and hope that you continue to fight the fight and I wish you nothing but the best of luck through your recovery process.

I grew up with an alcoholic step-father.  He made many attempts to get help and we all tried to support him.  I went with him to AA meetings when I was around 9 years old.  When my mom finally left him he was free basing crack.  I know where Joey is coming from.  I don't know Joey but I feel deeply for him and I hope he is well.  As dissapointed I would be if he had fell off the wagon, I would still love and support him in any way I could.  Not all the roomates understand now but if or when they hit rock bottom and they may feel regret for not being there for Joey.  I understand.  Stay strong Joey and anytime you need to talk - I will listen.

Dear Joey,

im not sure if you read these but .....I just wanted to commend you on taking a big step and seeking recovery.... Being in recovery myself I know what you struggle with on a daily basis.... but with the right help from friends and family you can do it.... Just remember one day at a time or if it comes to it one minute at a time.... the first couple of months its hard but it eventually does get better... just find some good meetings to go to and get a good sponser.... ppl in the rooms are gonna be your life line til the day you die but hey its better to have someone that is willing to let you call them at 2 am when you wanna drink or pick up a drug..... I have plenty of good ppl that have helped me through alot in the past year and they have helped me stay clean.... but like I said i wanted to let you know that its not easy but with good help you can and will get through this rough time in your life....

Good luck on you road to recovery

Ashley