14 DAY TRIAL // Earlier this week, after a new scandal rocked the Duggars’ reputation and nearly shattered it, Josh Duggar, the eldest son, checked into rehab. Because his initial statement after he got caught in the Ashley Madison scandal included a reference to an addiction to adult material, it is believed that’s what he wants to treat with the rehab stay.
The Duggars are former stars of TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting, which was canceled after police records revealed Josh had molested 5 minor girls when he was a teen, 4 of whom were his sisters. They are a very religious family who earned the support of millions by documenting their life on camera.
Josh, their eldest, had 2 separate accounts on cheaters website Ashley Madison, as revealed when hackers released data obtained earlier this year. This is the second time in a few months that Josh brings shame to the family by being exposed as a complete hypocrite.
Josh checked into rehab but not really
In a statement released earlier this week, the Duggars explained that Josh had “checked himself into a long-term treatment center.” The word rehab was never used by any member of the family, but since this is what “treatment center” means, it was widely assumed that he would get proper counseling.
Gawker has learned that the “rehab” center is nothing short than a “glorified, Bible-based labor camp.” It is believed that Josh is at Reformers Unanimous in Rockford, Illinois, a center the family visited before on work trips.
Based on application forms available online, Gawker points out that the “program” includes no counseling or any form of therapy, but only Bible study, prayer and free labor, about 40 hours a week worth of it.
Josh might end up staying here for 6 months or more, which will set him back at least $7,500 (€6,708). If he really is struggling with an addiction, as he claimed he was, there won’t be any addressing of that.
The same application forms make it very clear that “this is not a medical facility.”
This is not like going to camp, though
Tony Richardson, director of development with Reformers, spoke to People Magazine about the center, and while he would not confirm whether Josh was staying with them (as a “student,” as the forms call all those who seek help), he did say a few words about the program.
He says they can treat up to 40 men and 40 women at a time, with strict rules forbidding interactions between them. Cell phones are not allowed and there is no Internet access, but the “students” are allowed to watch certain pre-approved TV programs on the weekends.
The family is allowed visits and will become more involved in the program towards the end.
“It is not a country club,” Richardson says. “It is like going to college, but I don't know if it is as nice as that.”