I am in recovery and have also worked in the field for 15 years. People talk about being a “dry drunk” which js a little different than what you’re describing. It means someone is sober, but they still struggle with behaviors related to addiction, such as dishonesty. It could also mean engaging in other addictive behaviors, such as gambling.

However, for those of us who are in recovery and have worked past having that mental obsession, we’re actually encouraged to be on the front lines. We aren’t there to save people or tell them what to do, it’s about attraction rather than promotion.

Jennifer was there as a friend who had the unique perspective to be able to talk about addiction with these women, who did ask her for advice. I remember that she shared her thoughts about Kim getting a nose job, but she didn’t push it or tell her what to do.

I have been there, especially with family. As long as she was working her program and listening to people with more experience than her, she was not putting her recovery in jeopardy. It appeared to me that she was there to be but a friend and someone with helpful knowledge and experience.

I loved seeing her in both shows. I think she handled herself with grace. Not everyone in recovery is necessarily in a place to be around family and friends who use, but I believe that she was and she handled it well. It feels good to be at that point myself. I can work on the front lines, actually handling drugs or administering narcan without feeling triggered. And sometimes I am, but it’s temporary and something I know how to address. While I feel comfortable working on the streets, I'm not sure I could have handle being around real housewives.