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Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Al-Anon Family Group -> Al-Anon Family Group -> How do I know how bad the recovery process will be?
Post Info TOPIC: How do I know how bad the recovery process will be?
Gabriel9877


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How do I know how bad the recovery process will be?
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My sister has an alcohol problem and I'd like to discuss it with her to find out if she'd like help.  The problem is, I don't know how bad her alcohol problem is, as I don't live with her.  This is relevant, because I don't know if quitting will throw her into serious withdrawal symptoms.  She doesn't have medical insurance, so she won't be able to afford an in-house recovery facility to handle major withdrawal symptoms.



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Kismet


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When my husband was admitted to rehab the counsellor asked him when last he had a drink, and he said 2 days prior. The counsellor said that quitting cold turkey can be very dangerous so should be done under supervision. Fortunately his physical detox wasn't too hectic and he was fine after a week or so. From my understanding of rehab the easy part is the physical detox; it is the mental, emotional and spiritual rehabilitation that takes time and is traumatic. Good luck when you talk to your sister, it is not an easy situation.

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katfshh


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During one of my exA's detoxing times, he did have a seizure. The next time when he decided to detox and not go to rehab, he went to the ER and they gave him Librium to detox at home.

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Katfshh

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Hopeful06


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My sister is in recovery now, but I understand the feeling of helplessness and wanting to sort it out for her. It seems like you're assuming that she will take your advise and stop drinking, which I hope is the case, but please be aware she may tell you she doesn't think she has a problem. She has to realize this on her own, even though it's so obvious to you. Its been my experience that if she is willing to go to an AA meeting or talk to a person in AA, she will have access to more resources to help her get the help she needs. I wish you the best of luck and that your sister is willing to take the steps she needs. But in the meantime, please take care of yourself.

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pinkchip


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The ER cannot turn her away - A walk in clinic might be another idea and they would function on a sliding scale. Aside from that - in the old days folks would show up at AA and they would help one aother through it. One person holding the bucket...talking the person through it...staying ready to take them to the hospital if necessary. I went through it on my own...6 days of shaking and sweating basically. I was already on 1 med that would prevent seizures...

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Debilyn


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We cannot help them with this. It is totally up to them. It is them who has to be on a recovery program the rest of their life. Drinking or other drugs is just a tiny part of being an addict.

What we can do is love them.Make their disease none of our business. Just love the person, that person is not the disease. But they are very sick.

I am sure she knows about AA but I believe it is ok to bring pamphlets and just leave them. Not say a word. The best thing to do is to call the Department of Human Services and ask about Drug and Alcohol help resources where you live. Many places have different programs to help or give guidance. Also there are places they can go that are free. But the beds are few.

NO ONE should go cold turkey. With out medical help it is dangerous. My FIL died from doing this. What she can do is what Pink chip said, start detox with someone there with her, call AA for help. Then if it goes sour get her to er. Then she can walk into AA where everyone understands and will have tons of help for her. She may need to go to several meetings a day! It can be done BUT it has to come from her totally.

When we try to get into their disease, we take their power away. They need to grow and realize they can do it on their own. We don't want to rob them of any of their experience. that is partly how we show love. Plus they need us to do this vitally.babying them kills them, and us.

She is a fortunate lady to have you be her sister! keep coming! update us! We do care, debilyn



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Gabriel9877


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Thanks! Great input and much appreciated.



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Gabriel9877


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Thank you for the sage advice! I needed that.



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Gabriel9877


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I can't believe all the awesome advice and words of encouragement I received from you all.  God bless you all!



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