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Capp · Jan 24, 2009, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by traceydees

Hello-i have an Uncle who has been dealing with prescription drug abuse for years and he is still in denial. We recently had him commited to a Mental Hospital because he was a danger to himself and others. He has only been there for a week and they are releasing him tomorrow. He can barely walk on his own. He doesn't even know what day it is or what year it is... How can they do this? Plus the doctors and Psychiatrists he has seen in recent weeks sent him home with more prescription drugs! My Family and I don't know what to do. He has lost his wife and 3 kids over this addicition and we do not want him to lose his life over it. What more can we do? Thank you all for listening.

((tracey))
I'm so very sorry that you and your family are going through this ordeal.

Public and private hospital funding have both been slashed...around here we use the phrase, "Drive By Detox."
Minimum stay is three days, max is ten days. Not nearly long enough to truly be helpful.

Are there NA meetings where you live? Obviously you cannot make him go but do ask him gently if he would try it. Anyone doing 12th step work will gladly take him.
You can go to Al-Anon meetings and be guided on ways to protect yourselves emotionally.

Re his mental state. Withdrawing from any drug will do this to a person, and if he was prescribed more drugs to ease his detox then he will have these problems and possibly more...however if you don't see improvement then call his physicians.
Being a danger to himself and to others qualifies for an extended stay for evaluation/observation/treatment protocol with the goal of assimilation back into the community.
It's currently available in my state with referral from an outside pdoc or pcp. I hope it's true for you, also.

An added comment--don't feel guilty.
You and your family have done a lot already, tracey. Sometimes we have to let go and let others--professionals--take over his care. Ask his physicians directly what they can do to help...
You have to protect yourselves first, in the course of doing that, he will benefit also

My very best wishes,
Cap