My daughter was recently admitted to your facility and I wanted to thank you all for how you have included the family in her treatment.  My fear was that I would be blamed for her problems.  That was not the case!  I was included in some counseling sessions and we were really able to talk.  When my daughter was at home and still using drugs, we never talked about anything important, because it would just start a fight.  When we had our counselling sessions, I said some things she didn’t like, and she said some things that I didn’t like, but we were able to say them and know that we still loved each other.

The staff there suggested I go to the Sunday “Family Education Class” to learn about addiction and how it effects the family.  I wasn’t sure about it, but I went and I am so glad!  There are other parents and loved ones there that are going though the same things that I am.  My daughter has her support group at the rehab, and now I feel like I have mine.  It was also suggested that I try ALANON meetings.  I haven’t gone yet, but will give it a try this week.  If my daughter can do things that are new and uncomfortable to try to get sober, I can try things that are new and uncomfortable to support her.

When I first came to Penn Foundation, I was so angry.  How dare my family make me go in to treatment?  I knew that my drinking was hurting me, but I never realized how much it was hurting everyone else.  I never knew the fear I was causing them to feel.  They didn’t know if I was coming home from day to day, and if I did come home, they didn’t know how I would act.  Would I be decent, or impossible to be around?

Now I am at Penn Foundation and my family can sleep at night.  They know I’m safe.  I am learning not only what to do to stay sober, but I am learning a little about why I drink.  I am also learning that my actions effect other people, not just me.  My family sent me here because they love me, not because they were trying to get rid of me.

I used to think that it was “all about me” and the world owed me something.  Now I am starting to learn that I am not the center of the universe.

Oh, it is also important for the people out there that may read this to know that it can actually be fun in rehab.  I have met some awesome people, and have laughed harder while in here than I had in years.  Please just give it a try.

I had an opportunity to talk with my mom about her expericences there and wanted to share.  She is currently a client in your inpatient program and I think it is definately having the right effect on her.

She has met other people who have such complicated life stories but there is one common denominator - spiraling lives caused by addiction.  I think she has gone from a state of “why me” to “maybe I didn’t have it as bad as some”.  Even with the age differences and different personalities, she is not looking at it as “I’m not one of them”, she seems to want to make contact.  Instead of sitting in her empty room at breaks, she goes outside where everyone is hanging out.  You can not believe how pleased I was to hear this.  She could have very easily decided to isolate herself or shut down but instead seems to be making an effort to be part of the group.

Mom has also been speaking with other members of the family and we all have the same feeling.  We are so pleased with the treatment she is receiving there, and we are so pleased with her progress!

I wanted to take a moment to thank you and your staff for your immediate response to my questions and requests for additional information. 

After speaking with your staff this afternoon, I am excited and even more certain that the Penn Foundation Recovery Center and the various teams and programs there are going to be such a blessing in the situation that I am involved with. 

I understand that until the initial intake is performed, there will still be questions about exactly what services will be appropriate, but I am feeling hopeful about the prospect of having people who really know how to do this involved in our process.

Thank you and Blessings.

I am delighted to write and express my gratitude for the support I experienced at your facility. 

I had an appointment with your Director which resulted in a prompt and caring meeting between my son and one of your Mobile Engagement Counsellors, Pat.  Pat was outstanding in his non-threatening approach and gentle manner.  He provided my son with information of services and questioned him in a caring and non-threatening way.  This resulted in a positive step for my son when he agreed to another appointment. 

Pat is gifted in his approach and remains professional.  You are, no doubt, aware of Pat’s abilities, but I wanted to express my appreciation to you, both for the prompt attention and for the positive interactions with Pat.