The Duggars have confirmed that Josh Duggar has left rehab and is back home in Arkansas. The disgraced Duggar son entered a Christian rehabilitation program last year after admitting to being unfaithful to his wife and struggling with a pornography addiction. Josh Duggar’s secret life was revealed when his name was found in the Ashley Madison hack, which led to him later admitting to his indiscretions and unfaithfulness to his wife. The Duggar son admitted himself to the residential Christian rehabilitation center while his wife and children, including his newborn daughter, remained in Arkansas with his family. Josh’s whereabouts since he returned home are unknown, but the Duggar family says he is still seeking help from a counselor and working on “rebuilding relationships with his family.”
The Duggar family released an official statement regarding Josh Duggar this morning, noting that the disgraced son has left rehabilitation and returned to Arkansas. The brief statement calls his residential rehabilitation program the “first step” in his recovery. Josh is, according to the Duggar family, still working with a counselor in Arkansas and is currently focusing on “rebuilding relationships with his family.”
“Josh has completed his residential rehabilitation program. We are so thankful for everyone who worked with Josh in this program. It was a crucial first step in recovery and healing for Josh. Josh has now returned to Arkansas, where he will continue professional counseling and focus on rebuilding relationships with his family.”
The Duggar family says that they are looking to God for guidance during this time as Josh reenters their lives. They also thanked fans for continued prayers in the days ahead.
“We look to God for help and guidance and place all of our trust in Him. We are forever grateful for the love and prayers offered by so many and hope you will continue to pray in the days ahead.”
The official Duggar statements comes as speculation has been swirling that Josh had returned to Arkansas prior to his birthday last week. The speculation came as Michelle and Jim Bob wished Josh a happy birthday on their official Facebook account noting that his best days were still ahead.
https://www.facebook.com/duggarfamilyofficial/posts/782373078563010
In addition to the public birthday wish indicating the Duggars were slowly reintroducing fans to the idea of having Josh around once more, the Duggars also posted an image of Jennifer and Johanna holding a cake with birthday candles shortly after the birthday announcement. Many speculated that the cake was significant, as it meant Josh was likely back in Arkansas.
The birthday cake wasn’t the only present Josh Duggar received on his birthday while apparently back home in Arkansas. Josh’s sister, Jessa Seewald, also posted a blog about “grace” on her big brother’s birthday. The post detailed that we are all sinners and each one unworthy of grace. The post would be perfectly timed for Josh’s return as many have criticized the Duggar son for his hypocritical ways regarding sexual immorality. Jessa seems to be indicating that though Josh has sinned, he is worthy of grace just like everyone else.
It is unclear if Josh will make an appearance on the new TLCseries Jill & Jessa: Counting Onor if he will remain out of the spotlight working for one of Jim Bob’s companies.
What do you think about the Duggar’s announcement that Josh Duggar has left the rehabilitation center and returned to Arkansas? Do you think he is receiving proper counseling while back in Arkansas? Did he receive the help he needed or will he fall back into his old ways? Do you think TLC will allow Josh to show his face on the new Duggar daughter series? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
[Image via Instagram]