family member needs help, hospital/social services are reluctant...

[nipersvest]

just need some advice, a family member is in a mess mentally. long, long story, but in a nutshell, they have 3 dc's (14, 10 and 9), on heavy medication, won't stop drinking, has been arrested/released from custody and is currently not allowed near the dc's or home.

dc's are ok, and a plan is in place with other family to sort this side, but we all feel she needs hospitalising (already been down many routes with this, crisis teams, social services etc, it's been going on for years), but the health care professionals are treating her as an alcoholic rather than mentally ill. maybe she is, maybe she isn',t i don't know but i just know this cannot go on.

what would we need to do to get a proper mental health assessment?

I have heard that it is often really hard to get a dual diagnosis (substance abuse, and mental health problems); but do start asking for one.

Is your family member's GP in the loop, and of any use? I think I would be hammering at their door for a dual diagnosis.

Best of luck.

yes, another family member sees the same gp, so is going to see them asap. we just feel like the situation is being passed between the police and social services with nothing actually being addressed.

we're not sure who we ask for this assessment, police, gp or social services?

it's all such a mess

I would start with your GP, and specifically ask about a 'dual diagnosis'. Keep banging on.