I have a relative (22 years old) who is bipolar, doesn't really take his medication regularly and I have found out that he's been doing ice the past few months, at least. He's having a serious paranoia episode and refuses to take his pills. I'm told he used ice four days ago also. He lives in another city and I have no way of getting there until tomorrow and I'm hoping to have him hospitalized somehow. Other than being a danger to himself or someone else, are there any other ways I can do this? I'm very afraid for his safety, as well as other people's if he gets in his car etc... He lives by himself and the state is CA.
Any information regarding this would be appreciated.
2007-11-23 11:15:04 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
He's actually having serious paranoia episodes where he thinks he's being chased, the water is poisoned etc..and he's not listening to anyone...he threw all his pills away and he does NOT have a regular doctor. He only has a doctor who gives his pills but he's off now. Also, it's the weekend so I'm concerned the couple of days before Monday and trying to find the doctor. I don't want anything happening to anyone then looking back and thinking I could have done something.
2007-11-23 11:37:59 · update #1
Nick J: Thank you so much for your offer and answer. It means a lot.
2007-11-23 11:50:00 · update #2
Hi. Your situation is very difficult and emotional for you and I understand how you must be feeling. I am a counsellor, specializing in drug & alcholol abuse combined with psychological disorders, and have many years experience from bith sides. Although I don't live in the US or know the law there, what I do know (in south africa at least) & I'm sure it is worldwide - this is what I can only suggest to you to enable you to help your cousin. Age is of no relevance. If "the person" is of such a disposition that he is or could become a danger to himself or others (as in self-harm, attempted suicide, drug induced psychosis involving aggression to oneself or to others) then it is possible to apply to the courts to "Section" him to a rehabillition centre for a period defined by the court. This process can be very quick if the situation calls for it. Bipolar and ice are a dangerous mix. You will need to contact a social worker specializing in this field - and for you, and those who will be required to confirm his status - it's no pleasant experience - but - for him - in the long term, it will hopefully be the beginning of the end to his inner nightmare. If you would like to know more and just "chat", I would be more than happy to help you. You can email me directly through my yahoo email account any time. You can't do this alone as it will drain you of all resources - and I applaud you for posting in and seeking advice. Just to "suggest" many rehabs taht are well known / short term ie, 4 -6 weeks stay are in my experience a waste of time and money. An addict (or thereof) is NOT an addict by choice. A 4 weeks stay or so will serve only to "dry" the person out. The issue is not the drugs, but the cause and psychologiocal dimensions are at the route of the problems. Drugs et al, are just the sideline - a way to escape that sooner or later ends up ensnaring. Please email me if you would like to. All the best.
2007-11-23 11:45:33 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If someone is a danger to theirself or to others (i.e. suicidal or homicidal, or living in very unsafe conditions) they can be involuntarily committed for up to 72 hours. There is no other situation where you can force treatment on someone.
Another option is to have an intervention, where you and other close friends and family try to convince him to get treatment. This may or may not work.
2007-11-23 11:34:48 · answer #2 · answered by jellybeanchick 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If he's not taking his pills and is becoming worse you should contact a doctor or phyciatrist. He can be sectioned and put in hospital until he gets better.
Edit - Linda, she is a concerned relative, would you not want to help your own family?!
2007-11-23 11:19:23 · answer #3 · answered by autumn 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It wouldn't hurt to request the police check on him. If he has any relatives in that city, you might also talk to them about taking him to a hospital. Medical personal and police can usually request temporary emergency commitment until a judge can hear the case.
"Linda" is completely WRONG.
2007-11-23 12:20:39 · answer #4 · answered by Tublet Want To Try It™ 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to mind your own business his Dr. will make these decisions. You are stepping out of line!
Autumn
She is not be a concerned relative she is being self righteous and she is judging her relative. I am not for drugs but this is why she is doing this let the person live his own life and make their own choices and one day they will stop their own drug abuse. I have a 30 yr old child that stopped when she was ready and is now a wonderful person all this person is doing will hurt the others future and she has no right to have on this person record that they had to be admitted to a mental institution! That is just wrong any way you look at it.
2007-11-23 11:19:21 · answer #5 · answered by Linda S 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
i will clarify to you the way it works in Texas, and you will possibly be able to discover that this is comparable in California. He could be held for twenty-four hours, as an emergency degree. you will possibly be able to desire to call the police and clarify the possibility he poses. in the event that they decide that it is an emergency, they'll %. him up and he would be admitted for a 24 hour emergency restraint. in this era of time, he might conform to hospitalization and/or scientific care. If he would not agree, he could be committed against his will if he could be proved in courtroom earlier a decide -- or a jury, if he requests this -- to be plausible to himself or others. This dedication could be for a somewhat long term -- ninety days in Texas, i think of. He can not be compelled to settle for drugs, except the decide orders him to, in a separate listening to. Now, what are you able to do? Do something you're able to do to get him to a psychiatric facility, even for one hour. the reason at the back of it is that those centers are many times stable at intervening with human beings to assist them settle for scientific care. in the journey that your relative could have some touch with psychiatric well-being care, then i think of there's a extraordinarily stable hazard that he will take a step in direction of taking greater constructive care of himself. Or getting somebody in touch who will look after him. regardless of works.
2016-10-02 03:52:19 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should be able to take him to the hospital and they automatically will place a 72 hour hold on him. Not sure if that is totally true for CA. I am in MN. Good Luck
2007-11-23 11:19:42 · answer #7 · answered by Amanda T 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no there is not anyway that you can do that. the only way would be to have him arrested for irresponsible driving with other people in the car. also you can try talking to him and that would probably help if you had him see some kind of doctor. or you can try talking to your doctor and ask him what you can do. hope i helped
2007-11-23 11:21:32 · answer #8 · answered by Lady Sapphirea 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can have someone "evaluated" for up to 72 hours agaisn't their will if you can prove that they are a danger to others or themself. but it is not easy and you have to go in front of a judge to get them to sign the order. good luck!
2007-11-23 11:20:38 · answer #9 · answered by GI 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Fortunately you can't be locked up in an institution just because some member of your family wants you there. If he doesn't go himself or get arrested I don't think you can do anything about it.
2007-11-23 11:20:47 · answer #10 · answered by Aaron 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋