Though he had a really difficult time writing this, I think it’s one of the most honest things I’ve ever read…
Well, I’m not going to lie: I still can’t get through watching the whole episode without fast-forwarding through some of the parts. It’s really hard for me to sit back and watch how I look and act while under the influence. But in a sense, I feel it is good “additional” therapy for me.
During parts of the show, a few of the roommates hinted that “something” must have set me off. I’m a man, and ultimately, I make the final call on what I choose to do or not do, so I will NOT make any excuses for my behavior and what happened. I will admit that with the mixture of being out of my element, in this lockdown environment, and the recent fight I had with Brianna, it all started to chip away at me. In the past, when I felt I couldn’t deal with everyday pressures, I usually turned to alcohol.
You can see from Episodes 1-4 that my aggressions and aggravations were building, and on Episode 4, it just all spilled over into one huge BOMB!
When I saw the episode, it was almost like watching a scene from The Incredible Hulk. When I’m sober, I act and even look different. I’m a totally different person — a mean Hulk of a person.
I’ve gotten nothing but support from new friends and fans out there, and I thank you very much for taking this journey with me and not turning your noses down. You’ve seen that there is more to me than just a raging alcoholic.
If you or someone you know has a problem with alcohol, drugs, etc., I hope that you will seek help like I did. It’s very hard to admit you have a problem, but just remember that if I can do it on NATIONAL TV, you should be able to confide in a friend or family member and get the help you need.
Thank you so much and I love you all so deeply.
Joey
May 8th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Damn Joey I got to admit you scared me yesterday. You were like a whole different person man. Good to know that you have great friends in that house. YOu should really hold on to Dave, Will and especially Brianna. I’m proud that you finally accepted your addiction and decided to fight it. Now you can get well and move on and hopefully make it as a big time actor. Wish you nothing but the best.
May 8th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Joey, i’ve very happy that you decided to get help that you needed. it takes a real person to admitt that you have a problem. Good luck with eveything, and i hope that u get better. and on a good note keep look’n good. LOL
SMIle
May 8th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
Joey,
My Husband and I are very avid watchers of “The Real World” and also the tv show “Intervention” and was glad to see you admit you had a problem and got help. You mentioned your little brother and sister and now you will always have this show and can show them how you felt for them, and then let them know that they were also a part of the reason that you got help. I commend you for getting help and for also wanting to help your little brother and sister so they would not have to grow up in the same environment as you and that they will always have someone to come to which is a new and improved Joey, who in my opinion done it for not only himself, but out of the love of his siblings.
May 8th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Joey,
It appeared from previous episodes that your roommates encouraged you to “party” or drink, hopefully they stopped doing that. Will be interesting to see what happens when you return. Also was concerned about you “threatening” the girls. I’m sure you know it is never o.k. to hit a woman. I understand you have remorse and are taking responsibility. Was glad we were able to see your gentle side and dynamic personality before we were presented with a dark side. You have obviously been through a lot of pain. You deserve to be happy. You can fight the beast of addiction and win. No matter what unfolds, I respect your honesty and wish the best for you.
May 8th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Hey Joey,,
Bro, I applaud you for what you did regarding your problem with alcohol. I know what you mean when you say the temptation is all around you. Myself being a Senior in high-school it seems like that crap is surrounding me. I’ve seen so many friends destroy their future by doing drugs and alcohol. Although it is really hard sometimes to say “No” to it all. Just keep positive people and things in your life like I have. Also, if your religious stay in touch with God.
Good Luck bro.
Good Luck, bro.
May 8th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Joey, I am very very proud of you. It takes alot to admit you have a problem. I execially can relate to that. Alcoholism runs in both sides of my family. I recently started seeing things on my behalf that made me come to the conclushion i needed help. watching everything your going threw makes me even stronger. it shows me that anyone can do it. even me. I respect the fact that your showing everyone in the world that it is possible and your proof of that. Keep your head up. things can only get better from here. you already took the first step.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
Joey
I am proud of you for taking responsibility for your actions. I have been sober 16 years and there is nothing better than living sober. Everything changes. Your quality of friends is better, the quality of life is better, you are healthier and happier than ever before. It might take ahile to realize it. Just make sure that you continue therapy for at least a year after treatment. You need that stability and support as young as you are. I know that I definately needed it. Even if you think you are strong enough..you really arent. You need supportive people around you. I had to find a whole new group of friends to hang out with. I could still be friends with my old ones but I couldnt hang out with them. I am a firm believer that things do not happen TO you….they happen FOR you. There is a reason that this is happening to you and it is up to you to figure out what it is and grow from it. You are in such a wonderful position to help young people…I hope you choose to speak out and do just that. Good Luck Joey!!
May 8th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
Joey,
Watching you last night brought back so many memories of the tough road I chose when I stuck by my husband through his drug and alcohol addiction. It was eery, because it was so similar, down to the way that his looks and personality would change, and not in a good way, when he drank. We watched last night and our hearts went out to you. I stuck by this man for 13 years before he finally decided to “man” up and admit he had a problem. Literally from the time we were 29 to now. I am happy to see that you cared enough about yourself to want to change, because you deserve better, and you ARE worth it. I actually cried when they showed you passed out on the bed with your eyes open because that was my life, my youth. I am happy to report that my husband has been clean and sober for over 2 years, without a relapse. Yes, he has been tempted, but just like you learn in rehab, there is no such thing as starting over when you relapse, just picking up where you left off, and thats how people die. Joey, if I could leave you with two things, just remember that 1. The only thing that you have to change is EVERYTHING ( rehab probably taught you that) and 2. take each day of your sobriety however it works, whether it be a day at a time, a minute at a time, a second at a time. ) You’ll make it, and I’m sure that there are thousands of others out there that are helped by your ability to be transparent and show your life and addictions with brutal honesty, as well as hundreds of thousands like me, and my husband who genuinely like you, and care about you and your well being.
We’re rooting for you kiddo!
god bless…
May 8th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Joey,
you’re awesome! admitting you have a problem is the first step! and you have ever reason to be applauded!
Dave & Greg are genuinely great friends. but i have this big petpeeve about judgmental people and the words that were coming out of Kim & Sarah’s mouths during that episode made me angry at them FOR YOU (examples: the comments they were making about strippers & drug dealers). even when they sat you down for the confrontational talk, they wouldn’t even let you talk and just express your emotions, without interrupting you and objecting! although nothing excuses your behavior that night, it’s good to know that there are friends that are there for you and accept you for who you are.. all of you.. past, present, future! and i feel the guys genuinely have your back, as opposed to Sarah & Kim that just want to live in a safe house.
and more power to you for publicizing your problem. alcoholism is more common than any of us can imagine. and by you publicizing your problem and publicizing the fact that you’re getting rehab is that best example for real world!
May 9th, 2008 at 12:41 am
I truly felt like I was right there in the room with you because it was so intense and I was crying because it was hard to see what you were going thru. I think it’s amazing that you could commit to rehab right there on the spot without a doubt in your mind. I wish you luck with everything and look forward to your return to the real world house.
May 9th, 2008 at 12:43 am
Hi Joey.
I think what you said was REAL and i can understand because Im so happy that you finally decided to get help… That was very strong of you i wish some of the people in my Family could be the same. Im just so happy that you finnally got help and im glad you had Bri, Dave, Greg, Kim,and Sarah.
And i understand that some of the things that kim and sarah said can hurt you because when you go through it its so worse… And noone can ever Realize it until you go through bad things but yes thank you so much You are like a hero in my eyes for getting help! You are Such a good influence i hope you get to see your little brother and sister soon!
May 9th, 2008 at 12:50 am
Hey man I just caught the episode and I can relate ALOT. It’s hard to be around all the partying, even if it’s not hardcore partying and just something like beer being in the house. It’s real easy to slip right back in. And it never goes away 100%. But you admiting that you have a problem and WANTING help and letting people help. Good job man it helped me to see it cause I still struggle here and there and slip up. Keep your head up boy! One day at a time!
Peace! Alan, GA
May 9th, 2008 at 1:39 am
Joey,
You are such a wonderful person! Watching all the episodes, I can really see how great of a person you are and how you know you don’t want to be that person that you become with alcohol. I see how hard you strive to be a better person. You’re a very strong person to gone through all the horrible and hardships you have gone through and to still want to be a better person, it takes a REAL man to be like that. You’re going to be someone someday, I just know it. Take care sweetie!
May 9th, 2008 at 2:01 am
Joey, I AM SO glad that you chose to get help. your a really great guy, and i would have hated to see something bad happen to you. i like the real world, infact im trying to get on next season! but seeing you on the real world, has made me watch it more! Your gorgeous, and your a great guy! KEEP your head up cutie
May 9th, 2008 at 9:38 am
I’m really proud of you Joe! I’ve been through the same thing, so in a way I feel like I know ya. Just take it day by day, all you can do when you got a demon is try to not let it win. This disease wants to kill you, and wants to get it right the first time, so you’ve already beat the odds baby! Keep on keepin on man!
May 9th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
i love joey i think he is hott~
May 9th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Joey, I’ve been where you were. And I commend you and send you the deepest love and respect!! The hardest thing I ever did was admit I had a problem. I am three years clean now from drugs and alcohol. You took the first step and you should be so proud, I have so much faith in you!
May 9th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Hey Joey, I completely agree with the people above in that you should hold on to Dave, Will and brianna. They are good support, understand where you are coming from and are not closed minded. You need people like them to give you support and be nonjudgemental. You seem like such a powerful man I don’t see you letting alchohol take control like that again. And by the way you are SO HOT! You should model! I would buy your magazine:)
May 9th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Joey
I commend you for getting help. Best of Luck
May 9th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Joey,
I love you man, we gotta workout
May 9th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Joey,
hey. love the show. i love you. i cried when i heard about your addiction. i cried when you and brianna got in fights. i am so glad that you went and got help. i think its great that the other people living in the house helped you to get help with the addiction. good luck. you rock!
May 10th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Hey Joey!!
I am so happy to hear that you are going to rehab that was very hard to do on national TV, but it just shows how much you want help, and best of luck to you, i hope your doing okay!
god bless you =]
May 10th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Underneath all that anger, I see someone who is hurting very deeply. You’re not a bad person. You’re just someone who is misunderstood by others. Unless they’ve walked in your shoes and felt your pain, they can’t judge your actions. Alcohol might be a way to numb the pain, but instead it brings out the anger. You’re not the first person to realize that and you won’t be the last. I know personally the self-destruction that the unresolved pain and anger triggers. It leads you to be someone you don’t even recognize.
My problem wasnt’ alcohol, but the major depression I went through that made me an angry, hateful person. I wanted to see others feel my pain and even went out of my way to make sure it happened. It drove my husband away and nearly severed other important relationships with my friends and family. I hated who I had become and finally sought the help I needed, which changed my life and restored my marriage.
Your choice to go to rehab is a wonderful step in the right direction. Seeking help is a sign of strength. You will beat this if you really want to.
May 10th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Hey Joey,
How could the entire world not fall in love with you?? Stay grounded, sober, happy, healthy and at peace with yourself. Thank you for being you and as brutally honest as you were on the show. You were one of the most real people the show has ever casted. I hope you relize how many people you connected with. Please stay positive and used your notarity to show all addicts and loved ones that it is possible to come out of addiction with more power, strength, and a heak of a happier life. Thanks for sharing…Boston is proud of you!!!! P.S. My cousin plays for the Chicago Cubs…so Chicago is cool and all but the Red Sox Rule!!!!!!!!
May 10th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Hey Joey,
I cryed when i watched the last few episodes of the real world i myself is a young recovering alcohlic im coming up on 6 years and i got sober when i was your age 24. I feel for you and im so proud that you made that you took the first step on this jouney of a new great life by going to rehab. you helped me so much by watching you because its a reminder to me that it could be me and it makes me greatful that im sober. Thank you for sharing of yourself so honestly on national tv. I wish you the best of luck and don’t quit five minutes before the miracle your gonna make it!!!!
May 10th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Hey Joey,
well you had me in tears when I was watching the episode that you agreed to go to rehab. I love watching the show just to see you in it. I am so glad that you are going to get help and that you see the problem that you have. I am really going to miss not seeing you in the show. Well I wish you the best and what ever you decide to do always do it thinking about yourself and nobody else don’t do it for any female once or ever. take care
Joey
May 11th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
Joey, I feel silly writing this because #%*@ you’re on TV and I don’t really know you. I just wanna say that I’m so very proud of you. When I saw you finally admit that you have a problem and decide to do something about it, I was crying my heart out. I wish you the best. Please stay focused and when you feel tempted think about your siblings and how much you mean to them. My father is an alcoholic. Good luck to you.
May 11th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
you are a man to admit u have a problem and im glad u got help. i think it was important for you to seek help because in order to take care of your siblings, you have to get yourself clean first. othawise, ur gonna end up treating them just like your mom does. so my advice is to think of your brother and sister when you feel the urge to pick up a drink. some of us are able to have a couple of drinks and not want anymore, but for pple like you, its an addiction and you’re not able 2 control how much u drink because its a disorder. i know. my mom died just like your dad, and i dnt know if i inherited dat addiction gene but i dnt wanna find out so i dnt drink at all.
May 11th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
Joey people know that youre a great person and it takes alot to say that you have a problem. I heard on the last episdoe that you said you didnt have a family to help you but if you already cant tell, everyone in that house loves you and respects you, even Pretty Boy aka Greg best of luck to you man and i know youll come out of rehab as a changed man.
May 11th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
I watched this episode and you really reminded me of someone.Me.I,like you an very calm and collected when sober.But put a few in me and watch out!I cryed watching this because everything you did and said was exactly the same!
I to this day still struggle with my addiction to alcohol but there is hope!Never give up on yourself,and keep those who care the most about you close.Also…pray!Even if you don’t believe in God..pray,make amends write Im sorry letters,go to meetings and eventually youll start to see that it gets easier,but remember this will be an ongoing fight for the rest of your life.Be strong mentally and youll make it.Best of luck to you!!
May 12th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
Joey you are the man! i hope that one day ill be as big as you are now haha. Im just curious how many hours a day do you work out? And like everyone else has been saying, best of luck to ya! Although i dont think you need luck, i know youll overcome any problem you face.
May 12th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
joey i got ur back 100%….. youll get threw this!i hope everything is going good for you! WE LOVE YOU JOEY!!!!!!!!!!
xxxoooxxxoo,
val