Jersey Shore

The cast’s antics on Jersey Shore can look like a lot of fun, but what happens when the party’s over? We recently caught up with alcoholism expert Dr. John Sharp on the subject, but now there’s another addiction guru who isn’t happy with Jersey Shore: Jennifer Gimenez, the recovering alcoholic, model, and actress who’s back helping to treat substance-abusing personalities on Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew Pinsky. In Wetpaint’s exclusive interview, Jennifer tells us about the influence the macaroni rascals have on young people.

Do you think Jersey Shore glamorizes alcohol?
Absolutely. Without a doubt. And it’s so sad because I remember the first time I watched it with my 16-year-old cousin. This is a little girl going, “Fist pump!” and “Hit her harder!” And I’m looking at her going, “What is going on?” Because they exploit and they think it’s fun. They are role models and this is what they want to show people. They think it’s okay to act out. At some point they’re going to look back at this — I hope they look back and go, “Oh my God, this is who I was?” It’s really sad to watch. They’re going out and they’re exploiting and acting like idiots instead of acting like adults. These people are not 21-year-olds.

Even though they’re in bad shape by the time you’re treating them, have you ever been starstruck by a famous person who came on the show?

No, but on this show [former Guns ‘N’ Roses drummer] Steven Adler comes back. Steven Adler and I have had a very explosive relationship because I had to call the cops once on Sober House because he came in with open needles and heroin and was using in the house. We didn’t want him to walk the streets and we didn’t want him to die so I had to call the cops. He verbally and mentally abused me and he said I ruined his life. So he comes back, and I definitely have a lot of fear that comes out, and you’ll see that in the show.

Tune into the premiere of Celebrity Rehab on VH1, June 26 at 9PM!