How long does Detox take? - Al-Anon Family Group

alexmaui · Veteran Member

How long does Detox take?

Pushka · ~*Service Worker*~

Oh hugs, this sounds like such a difficult time. I'm surprised the hospital is not admitting him on a 51-50 as he sounds like he is harmful to himself.

I don't know about detox outside of eventually the addicts do brain damage to themselves to the point they don't fully ever recover.

Sending lots of live and support you are not alone. ;)

youfoundme · ~*Service Worker*~

Alexmaui, HUGS!
You are right, you can't control it. Its so sad that it comes to this sometimes. The alanon program and the book Getting Them Sober say "Do not try to keep a crises from happening". It may be that he will either hit his bottom because you allow the crises to occur if that is what is going to happen. I don't know anything about health care proxy, but I do know that the hospital won't hold him if he wants to leave. I hope it works out and you don't feel as if you are responsible for this. Keep going to meetings, call an alanon friend and keep coming! HUGS!

GailMichelle · ~*Service Worker*~

How long does detox take? From my personal observations and what I've been told by staff at rehab facilities, it depends on the person.

My ex-AH recently tried to detox on his own, began having horrible withdrawal symptoms, which included visual and auditory hallucinations. One of our sons took him to a rehab facility that he had been in 3 months earlier. By the end of the week, he was adamant about checking himself out of rehab. Somehow the staff convinced him to stay. I stayed completely out of that decision.

My ex-AH could have checked out of the rehab any time. No one had the power to hold him there for any length of time. However, I know that if a family member had admitted him into the mental health center, he would have been held for 72 hours unconditionally. Our son, who does work at the center, didn't think it was the best placement for him; so he took him to a rehab facility.

As you already know, you have no control over his choices. I might be wrong, but it feels as though you might still believe you have some influence over his drinking.

For me, giving the ex over to HP is the only sane choice. I have had years of experience trying to control him. I see clearly that I'm powerless and accept that now. (36 years later)

The best thing I did for me, the ex and all whom I come into contact with is to place my focus on me. Through regular attendance at meetings and reading literature I'm able to do that. Someday soon, I will obtain a sponsor and work the steps as suggested.

BTW, "forcing" him to stay is likely not going to work. He has got to see that he needs it.

Take good care, Gail

Otie · Senior Member

Dear Pushka, can you please describe to us what a 50-51 is. It might help Alexmaui and others on the board as well??

One can also check in the front of telephone books to find numbers for the LOCAL mental health organizations. They can give information on how a person can be involuntarily committed (under some circumstances).

You can assume that the staff will do their best to convince him to stay until he is at least medically stable. This behavior is not uncommon in such hospital units. Also, the director of the unit or the hospital social service department may have resources or direct you toward more help or help you find out more information.

Best wishes

Otie

-- Edited by Otie on Wednesday 20th of July 2011 10:25:01 AM

-- Edited by Otie on Wednesday 20th of July 2011 10:30:29 AM

Pushka · ~*Service Worker*~

The best way I can describe it is the brittney spears melt down where she was admitted to the hospital and under observation for 48 hours. Umbrella car beating shaved headed brit. It's when someone becomes a danger to themselves and others. The kid from jack ass, I have followed his recovery. He said his family admitted him and the hospital kept him longer. Stevie-O is his name. Those are the situations that describe what a forced observation are. I find it hard to believe if someone is hallucinating the hospital will release them.

Debilyn · ~*Service Worker*~

Sure they can and will. Shoot here in Oregon they closed down this place for mentally and physically handicapped people, now those people live on the streets.

I know it is horribly hard been there. But again we must not stop them from experiencing the horrors of their disease. If we do they may never get sick enough to want to stop.

Bovine, any dairy product makes me sooo sick. I used to crave it. Sure I would eat it anyway then be in trouble. 5 day migraine, sick like the worst flu. the last time was a long time ago, I got so sick that now i look at it and it makes me well gag.

They need to realize that being sober on program is better than ever being sick and insane using.

We need to put them in HP's hands, learn to let go.Also we need to learn how to make us feel better!

YOu are a kind person, of course we cannot stand it and feel that feeling of desperation wanting to do something. Then it dawns on us, we can do nothing.

hugging YOU,debilyn

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