by Robin Hardwick

 

"Into the Great Unknown"

 

It's day 18 of the Celebrity Rehab program, and our friends are preparing for their graduation the next day. Dr. Drew and his crew are adamant about making sure each of the patients enroll in an aftercare program; either an outpatient program or a sober group living house.

 

Meanwhile, the gang has other plans. Janice has a gig booked in London (another reality show?), Jason Davis wants to travel the world, and Leif can't wait to get out and "test" out his new ability to remain sober in the real world. In group, Dr. Drew insists that they will not succeed without aftercare, and Leif and Jason get somewhat aggro and are insulted that Dr. Drew thinks this, and vow to prove him wrong by staying sober.

 

Dr. Drew admits he is frustrated and has his own tiny meltdown. A meltdown for Dr. Drew means leaning back in his chair with his hands on his head.

 

Meanwhile, it's another field trip/cautionary tale. They meet a woman who tells them the story of her son Aaron, who was addicted to pills.

 

He suffered and overdose, and when the doctors told her to "start picking out his headstone" (Did a doctor really say that?). The woman, who is sitting with them through the video, then tells them that Aaron did wake up, but suffered multiple strokes and is now living as a paraplegic who cannot speak. Cue Aaron to enter amongst shock and awe.  His parents say "Aaron almost dying is the worst thing that could ever happen to us, being paralyzed is the worst thing that could ever happen to Aaron." Yeesh. I feel for Aaron's story, but I do feel his story is being exploited a bit for this show. And the lesson learned: "Go sober or you could end up like poor pathetic Aaron!". The tears are spilling all around.

 

We couldn't go out without another Janice-frontation. The center's pet cat wanders into Frankie and Rachel's room and Janice has a hissy fit because she is allergic to cats, so she closes the door to their room. Frankie like leaving the door open a bit because she is afraid of the dark. We learn in therapy that Frankie's grandmother used to lock her in the closet, which caused her fear of the dark. Janice, not to be outdone, breaks down in therapy saying that she's been writing in her journal and the memories of her abuse have become clearer. She breaks down in the lobby, which causes Frankie and Rachel, two of her former nemesis to comfort her. Janice apologizes to them, but Janice still seems to get what fuels her the most: attention.

 

Meanwhile, Dr. Drew and crew are concerned about Jason Davis and his refusal to enroll in an aftercare. He stages an intervention with the rest of the center staff who tell him that he will die if he doesn't do an aftercare program. In fact, there is a car outside right now that will take him to another impatient center if he chooses. In his defense, Jason's arm infections are gone, he's seemed more lucid and he looks about a hundred times healthier than he did when he arrived.

 

But, as we know, Dr. Drew knows best.

 

 

Celebrity Rehab airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on VH1.

 

(Image courtesy of VH1)

 

 

Follow Robin @ihatewheat

 

For more Celebrity Rehab links, visit SirLinksALot.net