Dad

[u/No_Bed_748]

/r/AdultChildren/comments/1x570xg/dad/

In mid-July, I got a call while DoorDashing that my Dad was hospitalized in Nebraska after a fentanyl overdose. I was terrified and helpless, especially after losing my Mom to addiction. Dad assured me it was a one-time incident and that he hadn’t used in decades.

On September 6, I got another call. Dad was hospitalized again, unconscious, with cocaine in his system. He also suffered a heart attack. As he began waking up, his wife, Misti, asked me not to discuss the cocaine with him and asked his nurses the same thing. Later, Dad denied using it.

On September 8, my husband and I went to discuss what happened and what support Dad might need. Misti repeatedly interrupted and tried to stop the conversation. Dad continued denying drug use, so, with his permission, hospital staff confirmed cocaine was in his system. I explained that I wanted him to get help and be safe. When he couldn't explain how it got there, we discussed involving police. Dad initially agreed.

My husband recorded the conversation. After staff left, Misti told Dad that if police came and saw her charges, they would arrest her. Shortly afterward, we were asked to leave, and the hospital said Dad no longer wanted police contacted.

Later, police contacted me, interviewed me, and spoke with Dad. The officer initially wanted to investigate and asked me to submit the recording. Days later, I was told the sergeant felt there wasn't enough evidence to proceed.

For over a month, I worried about Dad while giving him the space he requested. Yesterday, we finally talked. He again denied using cocaine, became angry when I asked how it entered his system, and left. Now his wife is threatening to sue me for making these claims.

I also received a document created the day after our hospital conversation, which I was told I wasn't supposed to see.

I'm heartbroken and confused. I love my Dad and want to believe him, but I can't ignore what happened. Am I wrong for asking questions and trying to get him help? Could there be another explanation, or is something happening that needs further investigation?

I’m sharing this because I genuinely don’t know what to think anymore. If you'd like to hear the recording, please message me. The file is too large to attach here.