question about detox... - Al-Anon Family Group

Diva · ~*Service Worker*~

question about detox...

carolinagirl · ~*Service Worker*~

This reminds me of when my perspective started to change on my ex AH and I felt nothing but pity for him. I thought that each time I saw him may be the last and I was sure he was going to die. I don't think anyone really knows when is the time to get help. It is possible to die during detox although probably a lot more likely during the drunk runner itself. I wish I could be there to hold your hand and be by your side when you have to enforce that boundary. That is the hardest thing to cut off someone you love. And from the other side I can say it is so very very painful to be cut off by someone you love as well. Let me ask you this. What are you going to do when you enforce the boundary and he goes and you don't know if he will live or die anymore and it is completely out of your hands?

Diva · ~*Service Worker*~

Thanks for your response carolinagirl. In answer to your question; When he leaves and his future is completely out of my hands, I will know that I did all I could to love him and help him. That's all any of us can do.

Have happy holidays!!!!

Diva

Jerry F · ~*Service Worker*~

Aloha Diva Yep alcoholism can be a fatal disease. The body does weird and scarey
things when it is going alcohol less or alcohol free. Withdrawing is accompanied by
craving and when the system is begging for alcohol, a poison that is killing it, all
sorts of things happen. Still the body is getting rid of that which will kill it in a scarey
manner. Medical professionals are very helpful and when there is doubt I have called
them or others have called them for my alcoholic wife and others. The symptoms
are often dibilitating meaning that the alcoholic themselves will be in such a state of
shock and confusion that they will not be able to help themselves. I have heard of
more alcoholics dying from various treatments for alcoholism than from the actual
toxic withdrawal. Still rather than guess, when you're feeling helpless and scared
and confused call for help.    This too remember that there is always a Power Greater
than ourselves that is always available to all who are participating.   For me to continue
to think that some how I am still in control confirms my insanity.   No way...no how.

(((((hugs))))) smile

hotrod · ~*Service Worker*~

Hi Diva,

I would check with your family doctor about the best action to take.

My son's BAL was often .500 when he decided to detox and every doctor advised against home detox.

The ER doctor's confirmed that sending him home was too dangerous so he had many inpatient admissions.

I would never attempt to help someone detox at home.

Praying for your peace

Debilyn · ~*Service Worker*~

What are some of the symptoms of alcohol detox?

A sudden cessation of alcohol use really shocks a body and mind accustomed to the regular effects of the drug, and the withdrawal symptoms that will ensue soon after cessation are uncomfortable and can even be dangerous. Some of the symptoms of alcohol detox include shakiness, anxiety, nausea, hallucinations, convulsions, delirium tremens and heart failure-death.

Why do we experience detox symptoms?

With regular consumption of alcohol, the brain physically changes as a responsive mechanism. Alcohol is a whole brain depressant, and works particularly through GABA (a neurotransmitter). Alcohol depresses (lessens the activity) of this transmitter, and to compensate the brain becomes more sensitive to the small amounts that remain active.

With a sudden cessation of use there is nothing inhibiting the neurotransmitter, and since the brain is overly sensitive to its effects, a normal release of GABA sends the brain into overdrive. GABA excites or quickens activity in the brain, and this brain excitement is what is causing many of the experienced symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol.

It is VERY serious hon. My fil died from detoxing alone. There is even a program Diva you and your A may want to consider.

The detoxing patient is kept under anethstetic (spell?) through a lot of the detox time. It is costly but it helps some people.

It sounds like he may be in the last stages of Aism. From what "I" have read, this is a time they cannot do it alone. period.

IF he is serious, you bet I would get him to detox and support him. I did like you said. I just HAD to do whatever I could before I sent him away. Had to. I love but also followed Al Anon and AA suggestions.

I still would like to handcuff him to me and go back packing in the wilderness....

I believe we all have to do what we have to do. I am not into regrets. Nothing I have done, in most situations do I have regrets.

For me it protects me.

If he is serious, what would stop you guys from doing it? It is important however to have a program/rehab ready for him to go into after this. Diva the best recovery comes from a LONG even a year or more rehab inpatient for some people.

Over 6 months is a great one too.

You know I would support anything you two decide. AND I would be happy to send you my handcuffs...

IF you can you may consider going to some meetings too.

I care about you so much lady. I am your friend, debilyn

inhisarms · Veteran Member

Diva, It is different for everyone. I can tell you from experience, some times i was able to help ABF at home but as it got worse he almost dies 3 times in 6 months. I stopped trying and every time he relapsed I took him to Emergency. There they evaluated if he was stable enough to detox or if he needed inpatient detox. Detox from alcohol is very scary and can be fatal. Sounds like your A is reaching or at the final stages of alcoholism, just like mine is. For your peace of mind, I would find a medical detox now, have all the info handy and get the questions you need answered. Do not wait until it is crisis time like I did in the begining. Have a plan, just in case so you can protect yourself too.

Hugs and prayers

abbyal · ~*Service Worker*~

Binge drinkers are a whole new ball game diva , detox is very dangerous , he could have a heart attack , a seizure , halucinations ( which he may or may not admit to having ) my husb rolled up in a ball for 5 days =fetal position was in so much pain he couldnt not move = this is serious business and unless you are a nurse i don't recoment risking it at home , I did it twice myself as I had no idea of just how dangerous it really is .
Talk to christy who posts on this board , under cjo . she will be able to talk to you about the danger in detoxing . Louise

Karilynn · ~*Service Worker*~

Detox can be deadly. There is no way Tim would have survived at home. He had seizures. It was scary to watch in the hospital. Never would I want to go through that at home.

Karilynn

MrsGratitude · Veteran Member

Diva - Thank you for sharing.

Sounds to me like you are handling it as well as it can be handled.

I admire your strength for setting a firm boundary. Detox alone without medical help can be fatal. It is frightening and depressing to witness.

Is there any possibility of him going in hospital to detox and then transfer into the recovery unit for a 28 day dry out? He needs medical professionals to pound into his brain that he needs sobriety as much as he needs air to breath. He also needs good hot food.

Best wishes, in recovery,

Mrs G

The material presented here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method to exchange information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal level.