Med detox

[Frownette]

I'm really trying to help someone stop so we picked up benzos, thiamine and omeprazole from GP yesterday. There had been convulsions and crying and begging for help.

They said they were desperate for help, wanted to stop drinking, and started on the benzos/thiamine yesterday. I couldn't open the omeprazole, need to find the scissors.

I sorted out support this morning, an addiction service, then took a catnap this afternoon and was furious to wake up to find 4 empty cans. We were supposed to have embarked on medical detox.

I don't think you can take benzos and drink at the same time? I've emailed GP so will see what he advises tomorrow but if they can't follow the alcohol withdrawal plan we have I'm about to give up and go home!

How are you getting on Frownette? The person you're helping is lucky to have you there as support. Sounds like there's a physical dependence on alcohol there and even with medication the withdrawal can be really tough though it shouldn't be as dangerous with diazepam. There may be a few false starts. Ultimately it is so easy to just want to end the pain of withdrawal and have a drink as that will massively relieve it bust as they must well know it's only a temporary reprieve and will set them back in the vicious cycle of dependence. They'll have to really want to do it, and do it for themselves. I hope it's going a bit better now.

Thank you for your response, I started him on the pills on Monday, then Tuesday he had his dose and I went for a catnap and came back to find 4 empty cans. I was furious as you're not supposed to mix.

Yesterday and today he didn't drink but his doctor told me to take control of the benzos and I wasn't very happy first thing when he got up he asked for one immediately. This is very stressful and I just want to go home so will start packing my suitcase.

Ok, you said there may be false starts, I'll try to be more patient. I don't want to watch him like a hawk

Thanks

2 days is a great start. the worst of the physical withdrawal will soon be over and i think that means the benzos won't be needed for too much longer if you are worried about them replacing the alcohol as a substance of addiction. it's def not up to you to watch him like a hawk though- not fair on you at all and in any case this has to come from him, he has to be the one who wants the change if it's going to work out long term. don't blame you if you need a break, take care of yourself too, it can all be quite intense. thinking of you guys

@VoldemortsKitten he's doing ok, after the blip on Tuesday he hasn't drank.

He's having 2 today (so 10mg valium) then I'll pass over the packet and he can take one a day. I have no idea how he got into such a state during lockdown, I guess being stuck indoors so only going out to the supermarket. He gave me a terrible fright!

You've been very helpful, I really have to get home now though (we live in different counties) but will email his doctor next week and hope he takes up the assistance.

That's brilliant news sounds like you've done great - hope it works out for him. Lockdown seems to be a massive trigger for some people to increase their drinking but it is truly terrifying when you discover you're actually physically dependent and can't just stop. Bet it will be nice to get back home 😊

Actually he's making me giggle at the moment, he keeps jittering his left leg so it sound like thumper the rabbit. Luckily I'd just been talking about some texts from an ex so I blamed it on that!

We'll see how it goes but he's made a start.