Support for a Friend in Rehabilitation

Question

I'm not hearing from my good friend who was just court ordered into a free California drug rehab facility for a year. I'm trying to discover what full time residents are and aren't allowed to do. He's angry with me but not enough to stop all communication....but I really don't know this for certain. I'm having difficulty getting any info out of the main office running the facility/home he's staying at as far as his freedoms are concerned, if he's allowed to go somewhere within reason. If there's a curfew it says to me that he is. How are these freedoms monitored? Can he visit other people who are in his program? Can he use a public telephone while he's away from the house? What are typical rules/regulations at state run houses for full time residents? I basically understand his daily curriculum but on Sundays I believe he has a free day. What's he allowed to do on those days? Does he have access to a phone or computer? I don't want to feel angry he's ignoring me only to discover he has no way to contact me other than writing me letters. On the other hand I don't want him eventually blaming his silence on "rules" when the truth was he just didn't want to talk to me. I cannot discover these answers anywhere. I hate to keep calling their main office and asking more questions when they're not very forthcoming to begin with. I miss my friend very much. Any information you can provide will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Katie Brooks · Accepted Answer

Hey there,

I'm so sorry, but every facility is different. It has been my experience that there is a detox period where no contact is allowed and then after patients are able to use the phone. Without knowledge of where this facility is, what it's name is, or how much time he is supposed to stay it is really hard to answer your question. I know it's hard to be without your friend, but he is obviously going through a lot of pain. He may not be contacting you for that very reason. Just give it some time, let him contact you, and trust what he says to be true. It sounds like he needs a friend right now and you could provide that for him. If you have any further questions or need more support you can reach me at GoodTherapySanDiego.Com.

Good luck to you!

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