I really do sympathize with your situation and I hope you are able to see him. My daughter is in a rehab and the staff where she is at are UNBELIEVABLY rude and NOT helpful alot of the time. I have met the exception, but even then, it seems those particular staff members are kind and helpful one day and rude and difficult the very next time you speak with one of them. Getting her IN to the facility was a nightmare in and of itself. It's a different world; that's for sure. People who work in these facilities, I'm sure, deal with a LOT of difficult people and difficult situations, but they need to recognize the difference between stable helpful family members and others and need to employ OUR support. Afterall, if we are supporting our loved ones, that should make their day-to-day jobs easier!!! I pray it gets better for you and Justin!!!! God bless!!!

Not excusing the hospital at all....just met a crazy nurse at the SPCA who yelled at us for not finding her to deliver her unlicensed unmicrochipped dogs fast enough....they can be nuts too.
ANYWAY...I did learn at the rehab my son was at that some families are so sick that they try sneaking stuff in to the patients...and everyone is looked at as a potential liar, smuggler, etc. Sad, but that is their reality. At the second place he was at, we were not allowed to touch....
and the meanest lady- Laura Z at st. chris's turned out to be spot on when she was zinging people with what I thought was rude and mean behavior...during family counseling...unfortunately she wasn't much better outside the counseling, but she served a purpose.

BUt back to the hospital...When I had my first kid, I had a C section, and had my mom sneak in prune juice because they wouldn't let me go home unless I pooped...well, she snuck it in and we got caught, and the nurse said "we have it at the nurses's station, why didn't you just ask for it?" and I said "I have never been in a hospital before, I didn't know what you had, why didn't you offer it?" DUH. They assume we know everything about a place because they know everything about it....stupid by too much knowledge...
when I meet people who are rude I wish them a stubbed toe. it hurts and makes them jump up and down and look rediculous, but doesn't cause permanent damage....and I thank God that I am not related to them, and don't have to spend holidays with them.

Your son knows now that you will make an extra effort to be with him, even now in his darkest days. that will count for something. HUG

Marg The system is so inadequit it is extremely frustrating when dealing with anything related to mental health assistance. I have been where you are my son was in the pschy unit when he was out of it and hallucinating and the nurse there told me as they led him away "he will contact you if he so decides" I wanted to kill her I said he is out of his mind w hallucinations he is in a full fledged pscyhosis he doesn't even know where he is how is he going to contact me" well he has rights too" was her response. I didn't give up I called and finally got some answers .I'm all for people having privacy rights but that is just not a reasonable answer when you are dealing with someone going through mental issues I am sorry you had to go through that but thank god someone with a brain got your number to your son. I am soooo glad that your son has finally chosen to start the process of getting help I really pray he does it this time. Hugs Dee

Oh marge I am filled with anger at the stupidity but moreso the lack of concern for your son and you. Our medical system coupled with a crippled and corrupt insurance system makes me infuriated beyond belief. I remember in one of Sean's treatments the therapist stating that most medical doctors have less than 6 hours of training on addiction And it is so evident. I'm so sorry you had to go through this as if you don't have enough anguish. My prayers are with you and your son.

Marge,,, my thoughts and if course prayers are coming your way ,,,, it's so difficult dealing with the health system .,, I know your aggravation.,,, I remember a time I got call That my addict attempted to commit suicide,,, we ended our family vacation because we were so distraught ,,, and then spendt the rest of the time waiting because of her age( the adult bulkshit card) do even see her,,, let alone Beable to discuss the what we should to with our child,, it did'nt matter what we wanted,,,, so when she finally came out ,, which she was able to convince the dr,,, that all she needed was zanex ,,, yea,, exactly her motive at the time.., I did tell her that if she ever tried that stunt again.,, have the morgue call me to make arraignments,,, and then Proceeded to tell the bill payment office., cause if course I was good enough for that,,, that since I was not allied to discuss my daughters medical condition ,, and let them know she was an addict ,,, that I was unable to discuss the money issues,,, she is an adult., and at that moment was so greatful to throw that hippa law back in their face,,,, that was the highlight of the starting of our nightmare 3 years ago !!

that whole thing sounds ridiculous, why didn't someone go over and say your parents are here, do you want to see them?? sucks when things are so hard for you already and then people who are suppose to be helping are making things harder for you. I hope that you are able to see him soon. This is good news that he has finally asked for help and hopefully he is on his way to getting off drugs. He is young and has his whole life in front of him. I am keeping you guys in prayer.

Yikes. I understand there are security procedures and that those nurses have so much to watch out for, but I agree with Butterfly. What is the harm in them asking your son of he wants to see you, are you his mother, etc? They can even supervise the visit, just let you see him! I remember my mom being in rehab. They could have at least told your son that, "Someone came to see you today but couldn't because they didn't have your ID." At least then, he wouldn't have felt like no one cared. My mom had to put me on a list for that day that I would be visiting. If she forgot, I might have gotten there and been turned away. They put a lot of responsibility in addicts remembering things like numbers, tasks,etc. That isn't always the easiest thing for them.