Alcohol Rehab: Methadone Facts

Question: My husband needs alcohol rehab but refuses to admit he has a problem?

(Posted by: CF on 2008-11-14 16:13:26)

I was just wondering if there are any programs where you can commit someone with an addiction the way you could commit them for being mentally ill. My husband is an alcoholic, his mother is also an alcoholic and at the point in time when my husband realized he could use rehab she told him she would not help him pay for it, mainly because she is also a drunk and sees nothing wrong with it. Now she has him convinced he does not need help and I don't know what to do. We can't afford treatment and as I said he now refuses to consider it but if I could find a place that would take payments AFTER he is sober we might be able to swing it. I would just need somewhere that I can check him in and he can't check himself out and I don't know if such a place exists. My husband drinks entirely too much, not only does he drink while at work (which has cost him several jobs) and drink then drive, he drinks while he is driving which is very dangerous. He has only had a few minor accidents, all involving stationery items, and had been fortunate not to have been pulled over for driving drunk. I am worried he is going to hurt someone, not to mention this is tearing us apart and ruining our marriage. What can I do?

Posted by: Charles R on 2008-11-14, 16:24:45

Not what you want to hear, but unless and until *he* recognizes he has a problem there is not much you can do.

Posted by: gina74_1999 on 2008-11-14, 16:25:36

I have heard of intervention but to tell you the truth I have lived with an alcoholic and they have to want the help before they will get better! You have to decide whether you will allow his addiction to bring you down to or if he is willing to lose you to keep the booze. Dont let his problem bring you down, life is to short and if he wont realize it then I hope atleast you will. Good Luck!

Posted by: Alan L on 2008-11-14, 16:31:06

You got a very big problem here. I am the son of alcoholics. Both of my parents were alcoholics, and they both denied that they were. I have lived through what you are living through now. There are places that will let you admit some one without payment. However you cannot force some one to go with out their consent, even if it means harm to them or some one else. What i suggest you do is to do an online search in your state, and or city, for clinics or specialized facilities that you can talk with first to get them involved in treating him. 99% of them will do an intervention with you and your family, and then take him for treatment. Some of them will not charge you, but you will have to find that out your self. Good luck and may God look after you and your family.

Posted by: Lady Blue on 2008-11-14, 16:33:42

I am so sorry for what you are going through. Unfortunately, there is not much that you can do. The only thing I can think of is to commit him into a mental institution. You can do this as his wife. They will take him for 72 hours which is not a lot of time but he will surely begin to withdrawal in that amount of time. Being 3 days sober might put him into a mental state of sobriety that may possibly inspire him to get sober on his own. Again, this ins unlikely but possible. Do not mention that you are committing him because he is an addict. They won't take him if you say that. You have to say something like "he is trying to kill himself " then they will commit him....If you are uncomfortable with lying that might not work for you. My answer is far fetched but it's really the only thing you can do IF he does NOT want help... Also, the next time he leaves driving drunk. Call the cops and let them know the car and plate number. They will pull him over and give him a DUI. They will also put him in jail for a little bit which will cause him to withdrawal. If he gets a DUI he will be mandated into some sort of treatment program that will help him. Calling the cops on your own husband is a hard thing to do but if you love him this is how u can help. There are free rehabs. I am not sure what your area is. Email me and tell me what city you are in so I can help you find free rehabs. The waiting time for these rehabs can be up to 6 months or even more. Also, he has to be willing to enter the rehab... Threaten to divorce if he does not enter a rehab. That might inspire him to go to rehab. Also, you should start going to ALANON. This is like the rest of NA or AA programs for addicts except it is not for addicts it is for people with family members or friends who are addicts. These meetings will provide you with support and help. You are important. This situation is causing YOU grief. You should seek help also even if you think you are tough as nails which I'm sure you are dealing with your husband everyday. Alanon will help you and the people at the meeting will give you advice. Peace

Posted by: torrieatmosfear on 2008-11-14, 16:54:27

I'm not too sure if there is somewhere you could put him in rehab mandatorily but if it is court ordered he will have to. And if keeps doing the things that you say he is it won't be too long until that option is likely. The most you can do right now is try to get him to see how his alcoholism is affecting you and himself. He won't get help until he hits rock bottom though, only he can do that but you can certainly make an impact on that factor. I wish you the best of luck. I've been struggling with just about the same thing with my boyfriend of three years, who despertly needs to be admitted into a rehabilitation program as well. Stay strong.

Posted by: Mariel on 2008-11-14, 17:06:58

You and another person can commit him into inpatient psychiatric evaluation for 72 hours if you attest that he is a harm to himself or others. after that he would have to sign himself in for treatment. he is going to need medical help to detox anyway. a state hospital will work with you on expenses or indigent care. you have to do this before he kills someone. if you cant do that, call the police the next time he drives off drunk. i hope none of my loved ones are in his path. if you dont at least keep him from driving or report him, you are just as guilty.