advanced alcoholism and lack of hygene

[kilkenny]

My brother (48yrs) has been an alcoholic for most of his adult life. As time progressed it has got worse and worse. He has beento AA, had counselling, been in hospital several times due to accidents and the pure effects of alcohol. Now he seems to have a death wish. He sits in his flat all day and night drinking constantly. He smells terrible and of late has staretd poohing (and weeing) himself in the chair he is sitting in and does not seem to care. He is injecting a thinning agent prescribed by the doctor due to a bloodclot in his leg. We have tried everything to help. He just does not care. Any suggestions are welcome. Would we be able to get him sectioned under mental health issues.....?

[Slooow_Jo]

My dad was an alcoholic :-( & I pleaded with the doctor to allow me to section him but even though I was next to kin he wouldn't allow it. My answer would be (due to my experience) no, theres nothing you can do until he wants to do something for himself... v.sad but true :( My dad passed away 6 years ago aged 53 & even though I seen it coming there was ****** all I could do about it!!

I hope someone else can give you a more positive answer I'm just saying it how I see it :( Good Luck xx

[China Doll]

Hi Kilkenny,

Have you been in touch with social services? That would be my first port of call. They can put you in touch with the relevant mental health people.

Alternatively.... And I really don't advocate this one, you could call an ambulance to get him to hospital next time you think he injects himself (say you fear overdose etc) and when they take him in to hospital then there should be access to social services/mental health team etc....

The second one I would only do in an absolute emergency when all other routes have been exhausted. Please try contacting social services first.

I really hope you get assistance soon. Take care.

[Slooow_Jo]

In my experience social services aren't interested if there is family around :-( with my dad I was going round n round in circles, but that was more than 6 years ago so hopefully things have changed now plus it probably depends what council your under.

Just as a side note, I remember asking the GP to section my dad to be told I could only do it if my dad was a danger to himself....apparently drinking yourself to death doesn't count!! *unbelievable*

[Eve]

You could try ringing AA for their advice on what you could do or who else you could speak to, you should get through to someone in your area...

http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/newcome r/

[ilovemarkb]

Im going through this now. My dad start drinking shortly b4 mum died of cancer. He remarried about 1 year later, he.d never grieved for my mum. Alcoholiccs tell lies, sadly he was telling us lies about his wife, and told her lies about us three (me, brother and sisiter), we.ve all been to hell and back cos of dads lies. He.ll find an excuse then go on a bender. Hes been in drying out clinics, been to MIND, councellors doctors e.t.c. Fifteen years down the line we cant do anything else for him. Hope this dont sound cruel but i think he misses my mam and b4 long hes going to drink himself to death and he.ll be back with mum ( if there is life after death)

[Bat2105]

Hi, I'm really sorry to hear about the dreadful situation your in. I hope the following information will help. (I've worked as a Mental Health Act assistant and currently work as a nursing assistant on a forensic psychistric ward)

To legally section somebody under either section 2 (compulsory admission for assessment) or section 3 (compulsory admission for treatment) a person has to be either a risk to themselves OR others
- Obviously your brother is a risk to himself as he has had several accidents.

As he is not known to mental health services, he would be likely only to be admitted on a 2, this requires two medical recommendations and an application by a social worker (or the nearest relative under the 1983 Mental Health Act, this is a lot more difficult to put in place). One of the medical recommendations is usually (if possible) done by the patients own GP. So in this case you could get in touch with your brothers GP and voice your concerns, and suggest the GP sets up a home visit so he can make an assessment. If the GP isn't co-operative, then the next best step would be the community mental health team at your local social services. Ask to speak to a team leader or locality manager and I can assure you that you won't be fobbed off. Due to the history of alcoholism, and current presentation ie, incontinence, lack of self care etc he unfortunately sounds like an ideal candidate fo inpatient treatment. I hope you manage to get him help and more importantly, that he accepts it.

I hope this helps and good luck
x