Season 25, Episode 9
Joey & Erika
Age: 34 and 33
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Addiction: Meth
Official Synopsis: Erika and Joey used meth together on their first date, beginning a drug-fueled romance that has wreaked havoc on their families. Joey’s family refuses to be around Erika, leading to tension in the relationship. With the couple now living in a shed and cut off from their children, both families must come together to save Erika and Joey before it is too late.
Date Aired: July 1, 2024
Interventionist: Ken Seely
Found Joey’s social https://www.facebook.com/jokercsmar
Here is Erika’s, she has recent photos of her daughter so hoping she’s sober: https://www.facebook.com/erika.woods.902
Excellent episode, which seemed reminiscent of the “golden years” of INTERVENTION. Leave it to Ken Seeley to score a triple-win with these three very damaged addicts. I presumed incorrectly X3 in my predictions of which of them would succeed in treatment. I wish them all the very best. And it’s sure nice to see Ken back in action again. I admire him greatly.
Joey’s mother looks years older than her own mom (his grandmother). The ravages of meth.
I thought that Erika also looked much older than her age.
Erika posted on Reddit that all three unfortunately relapsed after returning home; first Bethann, then Joey, then Erika after returning home from sober living.
She added that she left Joey 9 days ago and is sober since.
This does not surprise me at all, HOWEVER I found Erika to be incredibly strong against all odds so if someone out of these 3 is going to make it then it is her. I truly hope she stays sober and will not go back to Joey and that environment in general.
With this intervention, as with others, I noticed how tempting it is for individuals that feel different/ostrastized/”damaged” to latch onto this idea of “its just you and me” when they’re in a relationship (or “its us against the world,” or “you’re my forever love/soulmate/the only good thing in my life).” Its easy to romanticize, especially under the spell of addiction, but its *such* a messed-up, harmful mindset that fosters codependency and makes it easy to ignore red flags…while (ironically) undervaluing those things that actually keep a relationship healthy over time– support from friends/family, individual growth, and the self-worth that comes from independence. Romeo & Juliet isn’t a romantic ideal, y’all, its a cautionary tale! 🙂
This is the second “couple-focused” episode I’ve seen this season, and in both cases the couples seemed determined to stay together, which…well, its hard to be optimistic about their chances. I hope they stay in sober living long enough to get as much strength and perspective as possible, and I wish them both luck.
Something of an update …. We are all pulling your y’all. Please do good.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/37iiulml3c
It seems like Erika has left Joey after he and his mom has relapsed: https://www.reddit.com/r/InterventionTheTVShow/comments/1dt8331/s25e9_joey_and_erika/?rdt=59513
I would not encourage anyone to donate money because it is most likely going to go to enable them further. I do not think this is the right way to help addicts.