|
|
Post by Marina on Mar 1, 2016 22:17:44 GMT
I have a dear friend who has been dealing with depression and added alcohol on top of her anti-depressants. She's had a couple of blackouts where she's either broken a wrist or got banged up. She's now at urgent care being x-rayed but has no memory of her injury. She started with a glass of wine every night and may drink a whole bottle each night. She took some anxiety meds from a friend this week.
She has tried to stop drinking but can't last more than 48 hours. She now recognizes she needs help.
A family member of hers (who I contacted) and I are going out to stay with her and she wants her to consider checking into a clinic to help her detox thinking they can help her through the withdrawal. My heart breaks for her that she is going through this. I've never had to help someone through this and am a little at a loss.
Any advice you can give regarding this would be appreciated.
|
|
|
|
Post by mcscrapper on Mar 1, 2016 22:23:46 GMT
The best advice I can give you is to just be there for your friend. You cannot change this person nor make her change. She has to go through the steps to get sober on her own.
It isn't an easy process no matter what the drug is. The best you can do is show her support and love.
If she goes through a 12-step program just let her do it on her own. You could get a copy of the "Big Book" they read from just to get an idea of the steps and what an addict may go through but only a recovered addict can understand the whole process.
Best of luck to your friend.
m
|
|
eleezybeth
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,784
Jun 28, 2014 20:42:01 GMT
|
Post by eleezybeth on Mar 1, 2016 22:35:37 GMT
Tell her to be honest with urgent care. She needs to ask them if they can recommend a medical detox unit. Alcohol detox isn't easy and can be risky. It also concerns me that she is taking medications. Are any of them prescribed to her? She should call that doctor for advice on detox.
|
|
|
|
Post by digirlwiz on Mar 1, 2016 23:07:48 GMT
Hi- please refer her to a detox-- sounds like she needs professional help. Combining alcohol and pills can be deadly.
And Al-anon is a group for family, friends, loved ones of alcoholics- it really helps a lot of people-- you cannot control someone's drinking and/or drug use- and the group helps you focus on taking care of yourself and the feelings of helplessness about someone else's drug use.
I wish her all the best- recovery is possible an treatment saves lives. I worked inpt detox for many years. I still work in the field- mostly because I believe everyone is capable of change- and how wonderful it is to watch someone get healthier!
|
|
melissa
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,912 
|
Post by melissa on Mar 1, 2016 23:43:01 GMT
Look up the term "delirium tremens." Then, look up the risk of death (mortality).
Staying with her is not enough. Withdrawal from alcohol is generally done in an ICU. It's not for for lay people. She cannot last more than 48 hrs without a drink because that's when the symptoms begin.
Get her professional help. If the urgent care does not guide you, call or visit the local ER for guidance.
|
|
|
|
Post by tommygirl on Mar 2, 2016 0:10:39 GMT
I have a distant family member going through this right now.
She is physically addicted to alcohol. She wants to enter rehab but has no money and no insurance. (She would have to pay $100/month on Obamacare and says she can't afford that.) The rehab will take her but they do not do detox.
There are 3 hospitals that do free detox for the uninsured poor. SHe has been trying for 2 weeks to get in but they have no beds available. She has gone to the ER twice in the last 2 weeks. They won't keep her.
Any advice?
|
|
oaksong
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,164
Location: LA Suburbia
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 6:24:29 GMT
|
Post by oaksong on Mar 2, 2016 0:23:52 GMT
I just attended a funeral on Saturday for a woman who died far too young as a result of a fall while drunk. She leaves behind 2 heartbroken daughters and 2 tiny little grandchildren. I also lost my dear sweet ex-SIL to alcoholism and bulimia a few years ago.
If your friend is ready, she needs to go to detox. If she is not ready, all you can do is to be there as best you can in a neutral non-judgmental, non-enabling way. It is so difficult and tragic to see people you love on this path. Al-Anon is a great resource for support of those who are involved with addicts.
You all have my sympathy, and I will be keeping you in my thoughts for a positive outcome.
|
|
|
|
Post by cindyupnorth on Mar 2, 2016 0:46:42 GMT
I totally agree with what Melissa wrote. She needs help to detox. Esp if she is only able to go 48 hrs. Going thru DTs can also cause seizures and other medical emergencies. She needs to talk to a social worker when she is in the ER, or go to her FP dr, and have them hook her up with social worker help, so she can detox safely.
|
|
happymomma
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,078
|
Post by happymomma on Mar 2, 2016 1:01:45 GMT
Please, if she is willing to detox, get her to a facility that will supervise it.
My uncle died in a jail cell while detoxing, so this hits close to home for me.
|
|
|
|
Post by Marina on Mar 2, 2016 1:30:40 GMT
Thank you all for your advice. It's what I needed to hear.
|
|
caniplay
Junior Member
Posts: 66
|
Post by caniplay on Mar 2, 2016 2:10:45 GMT
My sister is a severe alcoholic and had no knowledge of how to get help. She eventually drank a ton, I can't remember her exact BAC but it was deadly, and she went to the ER and told them she tried to commit suicide. That statement put the wheels in motion to getting her from the ER to a detox facility, and eventually into a rehab facility. A social worker even helped her get qualified for DSHS to pay her medical fees.. She has been thru detox and rehab a few times since and is still battling the demons but at least now she knows where to go to get help when she feels she needs to. Prayers for your friend, and you you as well. I've been the 'person' for my sister for 8+ years and it is truly draining. Take care of yourself and don't let her struggles engulf your life.
|
|
|
|
Post by mcscrapper on Mar 2, 2016 2:40:38 GMT
I also meant to add that she should definitely seek medical help for the detox. A physician can order some meds that will help with the withdrawals which is really awful and can cause life-threatening seizures. Withdraw symptoms are no joke.
I was in a hurry to leave the house and forgot that whole paragraph!
|
|
|
|
Post by txdancermom on Mar 2, 2016 2:58:17 GMT
If she has recognized that she needs help, she has taken one important step, and you and her family member can help her find the help she needs to overcome the problem. good luck to all of you
|
|
|
|
Post by lancermom on Mar 2, 2016 3:42:13 GMT
My moms best friend went thru this last summer. In May my mom stopped by her place. Long story short, she called the police. They sent her to detox. After three days, friend checked herself into rehab. It was almost two hours away. For her it was the best. She relied on others so much, and when they could not visit, she realized she was the one who had to change and only one who could change her. She then moved to an out patient house that was still two hours away. She lived there for for almost three months. Again, being so far meant she didn't get visitors that often, she concentrated on herself.
She was at the point though that she burned all her bridges, and no one was going to babysit her while she drank or "tried" to get better.
She was gone May - Sept. She is a different person. Much better person.
|
|
