Detox...

[kimwim8]

Without going into too much detail - one of my family members is voluntarily going into a detox program tomorrow. This person has had a long-term problem with alcohol - which is very obvious to those around...but I fear something else must have happened to have this person finally ask for help.

From what I'm told this is an intense 3-5 day detox facility and then after that time they determine what place or program is best for the patient.

I guess I'm just wondering how these things usually go. I'm definitely going to be praying for this person & hope that their life will get onto a smoother path. I will be praying intensely for this person, and if anyone else can help me out with some prayers, I'd be very grateful.

Thanks for listening!

 

[snoopy]

BTDT with my brother, years ago, except it was detox from cocaine and he stayed a total of 30 days. He was completely out of control though, and probably should have stayed even longer. The one thing I can tell you is the treatment center will probably ask you not to interact with this person while they are in the beginning stages of recovery, because very often the person is so desperate for a fix they get incredibly manipulative and often try to talk family members into getting them out. Even my brother's wife had to cut off contact with him for the first 2 weeks.

If it makes you feel any better, he is clean and sober now 12 years. Hopefully your family member will have the same success story. Keep us posted, and I'll keep you and your family in my prayers.

 

[Poohgirl]

Thoughts and prayers.

 

[kimwim8]

Thanks guys.

Snoopy - I really think that 5 days isn't going to be enough for this person either. I truly hope that this person gives it a fair shot & is honest & truthful with the facility. This person was in counseling after a DWI and breezed through it by not telling the truth about their drinking habits.

Thanks again for the support & prayers.

 

[sweet angel]

I used to work at a rehab for adult alcoholics (late '80s). It was an in-patient, 30-day program. The would bring the patient in, take away all meds, mouthwash, perfume/cologne, etc. They are examined by the staff doc, put on vitamins, etc. An intake is done by a staff member as to drug history, etc. More than likely there will be intensive therapy (group, as well as individual).

In the time I worked there (over a year), I never saw/heard of anyone going through DTs which is what a lot of people fear. We had people come in totally trashed, wheeled in on stretchers unable to walk, etc. Not one of them had DTs.

I was only a unit secretary, but I learned a lot. If you want to, PM me...maybe I can give you more info.

Good luck!

 

[Toby'sFriend]

i've been through it a couple of times with a family member for alcohol abuse.
From my experience, first they have to sign a form agreeing to the hospitalization. Once the form is signed, they are not allowed to leave for that time period. Visiting hours, if they are available, are extremely restricted and usually not encouraged. If you do visit, any package or gift that you bring in will be inspected by the staff. Food isn't allowed. Things like plastic bags, long strings or other suicide risks aren't allowed. Magazines seem to work best, books require too much concentration.

They will medically support the withdrawal period. The drugs for this can have some side effects and the person can seem vacant or spacey. The person will also usually get a complete physical and medical exam because addicts are notoriously bad at taking care of themselves. As long as the physical effects and the medication aren't too terrible, the person will receive group and individual counselling. The days seem to be very structured. Everybody up at a certain time, everybody eat at a certain time, lights out at a certain time. Family members might also be asked in then for some family therapy -- ie when you get drunk it makes me feel terrible that I can't be around you and I can't let my kids be around you..... it can be very emotional.

Before the person is released a recommendation is usually made as to what continuing services are necessary. This might be outpatient care through the hospital, AA meetings, private therapy.... ALOT of that is heavily dependent on what kind of health insurance the patient has. I've always had a social worker call to explain to the rest of the family what support services are available to the rest of us -- Al Anon, family support groups, etc. There are also usually a bunch of pamphlets of community orgainzations and phone numbers to call for further problems.

 

[LauraR]

Just be happy your family member is getting help. My brother-in-law was manic-depressive and had addictions to pain pills and alcohol. We tried really hard to get him to go back into rehab (he had been through it once and it did help for several years). Unfortunately, he was resistant, and after an alcoholic binge he had a heart attack and passed away. He was only 40. I'm wishing you and your family all the best. I know this is hard.

 

[sweet angel]

Toby'sFriend nails it! Wow, you remembered way more than I did.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

Toby'sFriend nails it! Wow, you remembered way more than I did.

well, unfortunately

It isn't a happy thing to deal with. I hate it and any family member who has to deal with those issues --- I think we all wish it would just go away.

 

[sweet angel]

I didn't mean for it to sounds like it was a good thing. You gave the OP a ton of info -- way more than I did and I worked there.

to you too.

 

[Lachesis00]

Good luck!

My mom and sister have both been to detox... more then once for "legal" drugs (but they would take 4-5x more then they were suppose to... of course since they were "legal" it was ok ). They both still are addicted... if anything worse now then ever.


Good luck to your family member!

 

[MsDisney23]

 

[kimwim8]

Family members might also be asked in then for some family therapy -- ie when you get drunk it makes me feel terrible that I can't be around you and I can't let my kids be around you..... it can be very emotional.

Thank you so much Toby'sFriend (and everyone else for your support & help). That family therapy bit.....like a page out of my life story. Ugh. I do want to get some of that out....but I know that's gonna be really hard to do, if I get the opportunity.