need help - preparing to tell our close friends about taking our son to rehab for opiate addiction

[flying_wahini]

My husband and I differ on exactly how much to tell them because

my son took many different drugs - and not sure exactly

how to do it.

Any suggestions?

[TexasTowelie]

1. Why do they need to know?

I don't believe it is their business. You are also violating the privacy of your son by divulging that information. I suggest keeping it between yourselves and the people providing him care.

If you absolutely feel the need to talk about it, then consult a counselor who is required to not disclose that information according to HIPAA laws. You are doing him a disservice by disclosing that information unless you believe that one of those "close friends" is providing him the opiates and you warning them to stay away from your son.

[flying_wahini]

3. Well they have been our dearest friends for 40 years......

I mentioned to it to him and he was fine with it and I think they might provide him with emotional support.

[libodem]

2. I would say, remember you are telling your son's story

And think of it like a medical record because he is sick. He has a right to all the privacy you can afford him. There is a lot of guilt and shame surrounding substance abuse.

We used to answer the phones at the treatment center: I can not confirm or deny the presence or non presence of the person you are requesting but if you leave your name and number, if they should be here they can decide to contact you.

All these things are anonymous for a reason. Protect his privacy until he starts his recovery a little. I find alcoholics and addicts to be extremely sensitive to exposure until they start to get well. Then the honesty is so refreshingly blunt it can be surprising.

It's a family disease. Love to you.

[Old Codger]

4. You may be surprised

That they are more aware of the problem than you think...

[cally]

6. I hope you considered the advice given here

and treat this as a medical condition and your son has the right to privacy. Still, I know you and your husband also need support. Most rehabs have family days and support and hopefully counselors can help you with these questions.

[Iggo]

7. "He's got a couple of things he needs to deal with...

...and so he's in rehab for awhile."

[demosincebirth]

8. I bet they already know (or suspect) that he's a dope addict or "opiate addict." That's my guess.