I'm a new grad from a practical nursing program but the amount of information that I don't know far surpasses what I do.
Sadly, my little sister (23) is currently detoxing at a local correctional facility. (IV heroin and anything else she can get) I've refused to bail her out in fear that she will end up dying if she doesn't get help.
To make a long story short, I'm wondering what the chances are that she'll get any help while in there? Even just symptom management..... I just read some horror stories of people dying from withdrawals while incarcerated.....
It's been about 48 hours since she was arrested and shes telling my parents shes getting no treatment. Unfortunately, there is never any way of knowing if she is being truthful.
I am suddenly sick thinking that she could be suffering without so much as Imodium to help get her through. Mind you, I know some suffering is to be expected and even necessary, but...... I remember the day she was born, I can't handle thinking the worst....
Any info would be greatly appreciated. I think I am going to try to have her involuntarily committed to a rehab facility, but it will be weeks before she's transferred if it even works.
Sorry to be all over the place, I've been a member of AN for a long time, but I rarely make my own threads. Just really need some information for my own sanity.....
My parents bailed her out, because she said what they wanted to hear, that she would go home, ( to MA, 1,000 miles from here). Of course, she didn't go and is back to her lifestyle.
She got 5 days of drying out and chose to refuse help, again. I've told her in the past I'll help her with her recovery any time she wants it, but she has to be serious, so I'm just praying that she hits rock bottom and asks for help before she dies.
Thank you all again, I am sure it won't be long before she's back in jail and now I have some really good information to go with.
Convulsions, diarrhea, vomiting, seizures...of course someone can pass and has. It's been in the news lately about how heroin addicts ending up in jail are at risk for permanent damage or worse. It all bears on what kind of habit she had. After 24 hours the worst is not over.
What was she arrested for? I'm surprised they don't send her to a detox or in-house psych facility. Did she tell them she had a habit. Heroin is no different in "severe side effects" than anything else if the habit is hard enough, and of course, it can be life threatening! All you people who say nay really need to research this. I've worked in a psych facility where we handle the addicts.
They have a jail nurse or is it county? The other thing is if she's not wanting to detox, she won't. Sounds like she got caught off guard. Family needs to disown addicts until the addict stops on own and that's hitting the bottom.
Since the cartel can't get good prices for weed due to legalization, they have flooded the market with heroin and crack.
Here you go; since most of you are liberal, here's a liberal rags piece of some cases that hit the news. It's the ones that haven't hit the news that concern me.
Specializes in Post Acute, Med/Surg, ED, Nurse Manager.
I can understand where you are coming form. I have lost a family member to their addiction and I understand the fine line between line and caring about a person and not enabling them. I am sure that from the tone of your post you have been through an awful lot with your sister and really want her to be ok.
1. I would first and foremost like to encourage you to attend a local alanon meeting in person. They are free, and usually located nearly everywhere. if you can't find one, or are a nursing student with no time like me, Al-Anon Family Group - Al-Anon Family Group is a place with online meetings and message board. This isn't for learning to to fix your sister, or help her. It is about helping YOU. it may not make since since she is the one with a 'problem.' But after you attend a few meeting your will understand. Try to give it at least 5 meetings.
2. withdrawing from alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawls can kill a person if not managed. However, it sounds like heroin, and perhaps opioids are mainly your sisters concern. When someone is admitted to a jail facility there is a nurse at jail who monitors people for safety and makes appropriate referrals. In many counties there is a person who screens new admits for drug and alcohol needs. (medical help, treatment after release ect.) if your sister is found guilty and sentenced to prison there are specific protocols for prisoners. (it varies by area of course) however, they have a holding area while they figure out medical conditions. Then they do offer treatment in prison. By offer I mean they can't refuse.
Sometimes, going to jail and subsequently prison is the only way people get sober. It is hard and hurts to think about and I am sure your sister will call and say how horrible it is. But know that she will be alive, and she will have to be sober. Just think when your sister calls after 48 hours in jail and states she is getting no treatment, she is probably saying things to get your parents or you worked up. if your upset you are more likely to help her get out, so she can get drugs. She probably says she wants to be sober, but has she done anything like get treatment on her own? Just know that she is safe, she won't die in jail, and she will get medical treatment if her condition is serious enough to NEED it. People withdraw all the time, its just not pleasant.
The reason she is in jail is a consequence for her actions and she needs to experience those consequences. if you take those consequences away it is enabling her use. She won't die of withdrawls in prison, but she will have to withdraw and she will hate it. She can't go find a score she has to sit and face it. BE STRONG let her face it.
Please check out alanon. It is the best thing you can do for you!
Wow this sounds like a difficult situation I have no advise- I do not have much experience in this area but I am thinking of you and your family in this tough time. I hope this turns out positively and your sister gets the help that she needs and deserves.
Specializes in ER,Med-Surg,Tele,ICU-Step Down, LTAC,Leadership.
Hello,
Im sorry to say it but detoxing in jail is the worst possible thing a Heroin addict can do, as a nurse that works in a detox unit, its important to provide patients medication to help and aid them during that time.
Im sorry to say it but detoxing in jail is the worst possible thing a Heroin addict can do, as a nurse that works in a detox unit, its important to provide patients medication to help and aid them during that time.
I work in a jail and I agree with you. Becoming so sick with withdrawal only reinforces the thoughts of using again. Makes sense if you think about it.
I have no advise- I do not have much experience in this area but I am thinking of you and your family in this tough time. I hope this turns out positively and your sister gets the help that she needs and deserves.
Glycerine82, LPN
1 Article; 2,188 Posts
Thank you all, so very much for your kindness.
My parents bailed her out, because she said what they wanted to hear, that she would go home, ( to MA, 1,000 miles from here). Of course, she didn't go and is back to her lifestyle.
She got 5 days of drying out and chose to refuse help, again. I've told her in the past I'll help her with her recovery any time she wants it, but she has to be serious, so I'm just praying that she hits rock bottom and asks for help before she dies.
Thank you all again, I am sure it won't be long before she's back in jail and now I have some really good information to go with.