Drug and alcohol addiction and abuse. Recognition. Prevention. Treatment
20/20 Parenting. Recognizing and mitigating early vulnerabilities and risk factors.
Letters to Kerry
Stories of Victory, Struggle, Tragedy, & Workplace Concerns
September 24, 2006:
Continuation from September 6th letter:
I spoke with you - feels like years ago, but I think it was only a week or two ago, when my niece was first admitted to hospital in Edmonton. I just wanted you to know that your website, your emails, and your phone call - have all helped us very much. First - we know we are not alone, and that itself was a big help. Also, you helped me realize that the system is so sorely lacking in supports for people with addiction/mental illness. And your website and links are helping to inform us more about what we are dealing with.
Since I spoke to you last - the hospital in [another province]... allowed Linda to leave - even against the wishes of her doctor here in Vancouver. It got to the point where the case worker here in Vancouver advised us to phone the hospital administration and threaten to sue, if anything happened to her or the baby she is carrying. No use. They still let her leave. Fortunately, her two brothers were able to convince her to come to Vancouver to fill out some paperwork. They took time off work and drove her out here. Her mom came down from [northern BC] and they all stayed overnight in our house. The next day - we took her to the psychiatrist at the Early Psychosis Intervention place. She recognized how ill Linda was - and before the day was over, Linda was taken to hospital and is presently certified there. Her psychiatrist said she feels Linda should be kept there until the baby is born. We hope and pray that they are able to do that. At any rate... we will live for today, and not get frightened about the future.
I am very grateful that you have been able to take the pain of your loss, and turn it into something hopeful and supportive for others. Thank you Kerry. You and your son remain in my prayers.
A very concerned Auntie
Great news! The hospital is a safer place for Linda and her baby, also than a treatment centre where she cannot be held against her will if she decides to bolt. In hospital she can be re-certified. There may also be other enforcement measures where pregnancy is concerned. The 2005 Guide to the Mental Health Act will be a good place to find information about this.
I'm also hoping that the hospital will include more rehabilitation assistance than my son received. By rehabilitation I mean working on the underlying psycho/social/emotional conditions that often lead to using drugs in the first place (this is the focus of treatment centres). Granted there wasn't much they could do for Ryan in only 30 days. A few questions regarding rehabilitation may be in order if only for this family's peace of mind.
Once Linda has gone to term and fallen in love with her baby, she hopefully will agree to go to a residential treatment program or at least ongoing counseling or outpatient services, as her doctors deem necessary. It has happened before that giving birth has saved both mom and baby from a life of further damage from drugs. I so hope this will be the case for Linda.
IF YOUR CHILD IS IN A SIMILAR SITUATION BUT IS NOT PREGNANT:
ISSUE: the YoYo Phenomenon (my term for going in and out of the psychiatric ward)
Canadian law dictates that a patient can only be held for approximately 30 days against their will as "certified" unless they are "re-certifiable" because they can not yet speak coherently (even if they can 'hide' their ongoing delusions from medical staff). This is a simplified explanation here and may be different for each individual. I suggest you ask questions of medical staff, as calmly and respectfully as you can for the best cooperation. Still, due to Privacy laws they may not be able to give you any answers, unless your child/adult has signed a consent form to keep you informed.
There is a possibility in some cases where the patient refuses to go into a treatment facility, yet is really not ready to go home or into independent living, AND has a YoYo history or some other prerequisite condition, that "Extended Leave" may be implemented. For more information about this read the 2005 Guide to the Mental Health Act page 27 to 39.
Whatever your situation remember this: Never give up... you are your child's best advocate... take good care of yourself and remember too that you are doing your best. – K
