Families & Friends Of Addicts Support Group

Addiction affects more than just the individual. This community is dedicated to the families and friends of individuals suffering from any form of addiction. Mental health professionals are increasingly considering alcoholism and addiction as diseases that flourish in and are enabled by family systems. Family members react to the addicted person with particular behavioral...

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Petition for involuntary admission

Iamrock
Iamrock
Okay...Need help... it has been a really hard 48 hours and my 21 year old sons actions show a clear cry for help. There is anxiety issues, substance abuse issues as well as being a diabetic. Without going into all of the details he drank and drove over 120 miles swerving taking out a mailbox and hitting guardrails , was in a rage and then suicidal. It was a full night of hell. Somehow after being stopped twice and sent for a medical eval at a hospital registering over double the legal Blood alcohol level he avoided killing himself, anyone else or getting arrested. Yesterday I started the process of getting him involuntarily admitted to a local hospital.

Right now he is safe there. As hard and as awful as it is, I know at least that it is a step into doing something, when I know he has given up on getting help. This whole process is pretty messed up as he will be in a room with not much more than a matress until a hearing for my petition takes place and a room opens up.

I have so much to figure out such as a care facility after he leaves the state hospital if they accept my petition. My question is with the hearing. Has anyone been through this and should I have legal council for this process?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thank you!
dmatt124
dmatt124
Hello I am rock, I am so sorry. I don't have any background on this, but I would think if you can get some legal advice on how to best handle this situation it may help to expedite your process i know this is not easy and i know in NY and NJ it has become increasingly difficult. if you let me know what state your in, I would be more than happy to do some research on line for you. Stay strong and I will keep you and your son in my prayers.
Iamrock
Iamrock
Thank you. I am in NH.
Our medical health system is so broken. My son is sitting in this small room without much psychiatric care until we go through this process. This could take a minimum of 4 days and I don't want to think about the maximum amount of time it could be. I know he can't hurt himself there as they have even removed his insulin pump because he told me he could just bolus insulin enough to put himself into a coma. He is hurting so bad and I am trying to remind myself that it all could be a lot worse and hopefully he will finally get the help that he needs for both his mental health problems and addiction. I will get through this one day at a time as hopefully he will as well.
jainlor
jainlor
so sorry you are going through this; hoping and praying that somehow he will get the resources he needs and the help he needs. you sound like one strong lady.....
cardinal39
cardinal39
Lamrock,,,, just keep pushing with all your might, call your congress ,,,, don't be a wish bone,,, be the backbone momma,,, all of us here will do what we can,,,, if one door closes ,, another one opens,,,,

Hope is a way of life,,, not an emotion,,

Peace!
deehigs
deehigs
, I am rock your post brought back a flood of memories for me. My son was also hospitalized last January for a psychcotic episode it was really really rough but thank God we made it through things are not perfect but they could always be worse just know right now as hard as it is your son is where he needs to be right now for his own safety just wanted you to know you are not alone !!! I will be praying for you and your son Hugs Dee
katrinka
katrinka
I don't know about your state, but in mine ex was committed and he was given a lawyer. We did not know we needed a lawyer ourselves in order to keep him committed. His lawyer got judge to let him go home and do AA. The doctors orders were not up to date because of change in court date. I would call a attorney and see what your options are. Ex died earlier this year from his years of drinking he was only 60 yrs old.
Iamrock
Iamrock
I go from being rock to being overwhelmed and confused as to the right path. The good news is that my son seemed so much better today. At least I think it is good news is doesn't change the fact that his emotions, etc are all over the place. Hopefully real help will come and hopefully the choices I make for him end up bringing him to the right place.
Katrinka I am so sorry for your loss.
I thank all of you for your support.
Dee it is so helpful to hear that people do come out the otherside of this turmoil. Thank you for your kind words.
I want you all to know that your words of support and encouragement have kept me strong with setting bounderies and finding my way through this foreign land. Knowledge is power and you as a group carry a whole world of knowldedge. Hugs of thanks!