Pregnant addict commitment?

[gramyjo67]

My 20 year old daughter is 23 weeks pregnant and has been shooting Dilaudid IV. Tonight she was experiencing withdrawals and we went to the ER. They basically did nothing but gave her fluids and told her to follow up with her OB. Now she says she doesn't care anymore since they obviously didn't because they did nothing. Can I involuntarily commit her? She has bipolar disorder also and has tried to commit suicide before and I'm honestly afraid for her and the baby right now. We are in Alabama. Someone please guide me what to do!

[HappyDays2Come]

I'm so sorry you're going through this (((HUGS))). You've been given some great advice. I hope your daughter decides to get clean because she wants to. She has to really want it. Good luck and keep us posted.

[nursegirl6572]

I wanted to add, obviously, if the ER knew exactly what was going on and didn't pursue a 302 admission based on her using drugs while pregnant, it's highly unlikely you will be able to accomplish that.  They would have pursued that while she was in the ER if they felt it was warranted.

Her history of bi-polar disorder may be the best angle, because especially with the drug use, her bi-polar isn't obviously being managed.  Call the local inpatient psych clinic/hospital, explain the situation and see what they say.  Also, be sure the OB knows the severity of the situation.

I wish your daughter the best, please know that there isn't much YOU can do.  SHE has to want it, and she has to seek out the help and put the work in. I'm sure it's so very hard.

[nursegirl6572]

You can certainly talk to the authorities, but whether or not they will pursue a 302 commitment is another story, and honestly, it isn't a reasonable long term solution anyway.  VERY seldom are people held against their will beyond the first 72 hour period.  Usually, at the initial hearing (after 72 hrs), the person is either discharged, or agrees to change their admission to a 201 (voluntary) which of course means they can leave whenever they want.  Just so you have a realistic picture about this.  It's not like their going to hold her against her will throughout the entire duration of her pregnancy.

It's certainly something you can look into, but like I said, most likely, you'll be back to square one with her in a few days.  You can call your local mental health/psychiatric hospital for guidance, and your daughter's OB.

"If you guys are desperate take her to the ER and have her say she is suicidal and by law they have to keep her and commit her to a psych ward where she will see a psychiatrist who will then help her to detox."

As MUCH as I'm ALL for people getting the help they so desperately need, I'm very much against lying to achieve getting someone committed.  

There are VERY good reasons that the safeguards and strict regulations/procedures exist, so that people cannot unnecessarily be locked away against their will based on the claims of others.  Lying about WHY someone is at risk puts the system itself at a disadvantage.  She definitely needs help, but I think being 100% honest and truthful is the way to go.  It's just never a good idea to falsify that kind of info in order to have someone admitted involuntarily IMO.

Best to you, let us know how she's doing!

[newmamaSC]

Listen to poopieskoopie, she knows what she's talking about. It's integral that your daughter get help immediately. Withdrawal during pregnancy can result in miscarriage or pre-term labor. If your daughter is bipolar, she cannot make rational decisions for herself if her disorder is untreated. You may be the only one who can save both her and the baby right now. Please go to the courts and take whatever steps are necessary to have her admitted to a mental health facility where she and the baby can be properly cared for. Until then, as poopieskoopie said, if you can get a mild opiate medication, give her that for the withdrawal symptoms. A methadone clinic could help the opiate addiction aspect of her problem but it sounds like its just as critical, if not moreso, to address the bipolar issue.

[BluCrystal]

Speak to a Social Worker about this.  You may very well be able to have her placed in an inpatient mental wellness facility considering her pregnancy and drug abuse, as well as her mental issues.  Blessings - Blu

[poopieskoopie]

Unfortunately calling 911 is going to get you more of what you experienced at the ER plus you'll have an ambulance bill. You can have her committed though.You go the clerk of courts in your county and tell them your situation. In Alabama you need a court order but it can definitely be done. If you feel you don't have time for this return to the ER and INSIST they find some place to put her. Where in Alabama are you??? I'm from Alabama and know for a fact that there is help available. If you guys are desperate take her to the ER and have her say she is suicidal and by law they have to keep her and commit her to a psych ward where she will see a psychiatrist who will then help her to detox. Let me know your location and I'll find you the help in that area that you need. I've been dealing with things such as this for over 30 years and I would love to help. In the meantime,if you have access to a mild opiate, give it to her for the wd.

[Kimby34]

If she is in danger/her baby is in danger, you should call 911. They will come and get her, and most likely commit her to ensure both of their safety. Please call. It's so crucial to be healthy during the developing stages :( Im praying for you.