Options for a depressed older alcoholic?

[Z Y G G Y]

So this is a family friend. 65 years old. Has been drinking most his life but heavily the last 10 years. Has (Had?) a job with health insurance. Possible delirium.

I want to help, but I don't really know how.

He called me and I told him to go to the ER and from there they will find him a place. He lives about an hour away so I told him to call a friend since he's unable to drive or take a bus. But he's still at home and I might have to go myself to take him somewhere.

If I go by there I would like to do more than just take him to the ER. After detox what are viable options?

Check out his insurance and see where to take him? I think he needs months of therapy and last time it was like 3 days of detox. BS, if you ask me. He is all tattooed and spend a considerable time in jail in Poland but he is totally harmless now and probably just had a bad time growing up and fell in with the wrong crowd.

He is close to retirement. Is there like a home he can be out in? Do people like that, that can't function anymore go on the street? Do we have to take him in because he will lose his place?

Any help is appreciated. I feel bad for him. I took him to detox a year or so ago and he was clean all last summer. Then started getting depressed and started drinking. Now its the same thing again as last year. He really has no one.

 

[nervousone]

If you are able to get his insurance information you can call them and ask what local mental health/addiction services they cover. If you are unable to do that, before you go I would call the ER you plan to take him to and ask what additional services they have available for an alcoholic who needs detox.

 

[wooger]

poor guy I think it's really touching that you wanna help this person out, really kind

Alot of places won't let you do a detox unless you have something in place for afterwards cus many people start drinking again...

but yes, I agree with you that the best place to start would be his insurance and see what they can help out with.... If they can't offer some residential treatment then maybe see if they could help him out with some counselling? I think rehabs also to outpatient treatment but if this guy is in danger of losing his housing then at least inpatient would allow him some extra time to find somewhere for him to stay.

Also, I believe that the salvation army offer free rehab to some people so it might be worth contacting them to find out all about what they can do .

I seriously wish you all the best with this


(oh and 3 days in the detox? that sounds kinda harsh unless he was only mildly physically dependant, I guess)

 

[Z Y G G Y]

salvation army is a good lead

yeah 3 day detox was total BS with nothing afterward