Brother addicted to Oxy

[ba86]

Is there any way my mother and I can have my handicapped brother Baker Acted.   He is addicted to oxycotin and knows that he has a problem we need to get him help before he hurts himself or others.  He is taking atleast 6 or 7 a day and he chews them to get a bigger high.  He is on his 4th doctor in 2 years because he keeps on getting kicked out for his actions he keeps on running out.  His insurance will only pay for them once a month so he keeps going to the emergency room to get pain pills.  He will take anything .  He will also do anything to get it including stealing. The police do not want to do anything about it so the Baker Act is going to be our last hope.

[skmedlin27703]

I checked and the Baker Act is more for involuntary commit of someone with a mental illness or is threatening suicide. I am not sure if you could use it for that, but I am not sure, I live in NC not FL.

[vicki595]

Hi~ I,also,believe the Baker Act is exclusive to Florida.  Have you checked into this?

It does involve much paperwork and the complaining individual must sign an affadavit that
swears the addict is a harm to himself or others. For example: suicidal/homicidal.

What you describe is very typical addict behaviour.  This is always a sad situation for families.  You can only be proactive on your end: keep valuables,car keys hidden. Lock up all meds. Tell everyone he knows that he steals. Call the doctor's ofc. where he goes
and tell them his past. They can't share info with you but they can listen.  If you make his world difficult to live in,it may bring things to a head and the police can then get involved.  If he becomes violent or threatening at ANY time,call the police.

Good luck~
Vicki

[IBKleen]

I don't know that much about it but what I did think was that you can only do it in the state of Florida? Anyone that I have spoken to about it was living there.

If you are not in Florida but they have it in your state, I suppose you could do it. The only thing I will say is be careful. If he does not want to go he will most likely become angry and, knowing nothing of his temper, could become violent. Don't forget you will be dealing with someone high on drugs.

I am so sorry that your family is going through this and I wish you all the best.

Hang round and perhaps some other members can tell you more about it.