Weird inpatient detox question

[Alera]

Okay, I know that they watch everything you bring into detox, but what about stuffed animals? I have a stuffed animal that I have had for 32 years and I can't sleep without her on my bed. Is there a way for them to check to see if she is clean of drugs or alcohol?

Thanks!

[eddie z.]

(((((Alera))))),
I don't know. Maybe a hair test? LOL. I think as long as she doesn't have sharp teeth or claws, you'll be OK.

Love and hugs,
Eddie

[best]

Originally Posted by eddie z.

I don't know. Maybe a hair test? LOL.

hahahahahaha


Alera

Ask the people at detox. The rules may say nothing broought in but you could find some who "work" the rules for what is best for the person coming in.

[angelgirl]

Hi Alera, I always took my own pillow, and my kids have brought me up a brand new stuffed teddy bear every time I was in the detox/treatment unit. They allowed both. They were very strict to about what you could bring up.
You made me think of kind of a funny (maybe not, but it was to us up there )
story this question made me think of. I'll share it with you.
One of the counselors up there told us this story,,,, He had been working at some type of juvenile (sp?) boys treatment center/jail type of place. He said one of the boys was repeatedly getting caught with drugs. They could not figure out how this boy was getting them in, whenever a boy came in, EVERYTHING he had got searched very well and any visitors also got checked along with any items the visitors brought in, but they noticed that everytime he got caught it was shortly after he had visitors.. Well finally they figured it out, this boys [B]MOM[/b] brought him a box of Twinkies every time she visited, well she was opening up the box, dumping the Twinkies, and putting pot and cigs, in the box, and re-glueing the box!!! Can you imagine, HIS MOM was doing that..
He was telling us that, because he was saying that they (the staff) knew almost every place that residents (us) hid cigs and drugs, because peopel do bring in drugs even though it's a treatment center, but he said there are still a few very smart people that found ways to bring stuff in and hide it, but he also ssaid most of the time they do end up getting caught...
I just wanted to share that, I was shocked that a mom of a BOY, that was in trouble would actually bring drugs into a treatment/jail/institution type place for her boy. Sad but true..

Anyway back to you, I'm sure you'll be fine. I can't see that they wouldn't allow a stuffed animal. The girl I roomed with and others would laaugh at me, cuz I slept with my teddy the kids brought me, every night.. But ti was all in fun, they said I was cute with my teddy..
You will probably find ( I sure did) that you make some true friendships with some of the others in treatment. I really met some wonderful people ( addict and alcoholics and even some staff) I still share some pretty close friendships. But beware I have seen some treatment romances going on, and they warn about that. Not good.
When are you going in? Are you detoxing and attending inpatient treatment? They are such great programs, be sure to give 100% to the program, you will come out in a much better place in your life, if you really give treatment 100%..
Please keep us posted, and also let us know what you thought of it all when you get home..
Work hard... Love, Becky

[angelgirl]

I always took what ever I used on a daily basis, if they didn't allow something, where I was, they would either send it home with who ever brings you there, or else, they would keep some things (like hair spray, cologne, that kind of stuff, even nail clippers) at the desk, and when you wanted to use it, they would make you come to the desk to use it. They also had a washer and dryer where I was. You were required to do your own laundry, along with some other jobs they handed out..
Just depends on the place. Call ahead, and ask, they are usually happy to answer your questions ahead of time. You may also want some hard candy, or gum, I did, if they allow it?
Love, Becky

[Jane63]

Hi Alera,
Ohhh, I do feel for you sweetie! I took my stuffed animal with me to rehab and was told it was absolutely NOT allowed and that they would have to keep it up at the nurses station, but that I could come visit it {Duh! }
I have slept with this stuffed animal for many years...hubby and daughter gave it to me for Mothers Day one year and during a time of great stress and it was always a comfort to me to lay on my chest and sleep with.
Anyways...I was soo mad and even begged them to run it through an X-ray machine! {Like someone couldn't sneek drugs in in something else!!} But they said "no" and after some crying because I was pretty emotional anyway, I realised that I would have to follow their rules for a couple days in order to do this right....
I did, however, roll up a blanket {they give an unlimited supply of those! LOL!} and sleep with that so it was "almost" like having my beloved sleep buddy!
Best of luck to you! You can do this!
Jane

[eddie z.]

Hey, I'm Eddie's Bunny. She slept with me while she was in treatment, but I've been somewhat neglected since then. Please tell her I need a bath!

[Alera]

Hi Edies Bunny!

I'm not sure if I will have to go to detox, I'm attempting to detox myself and if I get sick then I'll be entering in September.

[eddie z.]

If you are trying to come off opiates, it may be a good idea to work with a doctor. There are alot of things they can do to make it easier without you having to do inpatient treatment.

Love and hugs,
Eddie

[angelgirl]

Alera, Eddie is right. I don't know your finacial situation, but I have been through many hospital detoxes, and if I could have found the doctor I am seeing now, I would not have done a hospital detox, due to the cost. My bill was over 10,000 for 5 days, 4 nights. That was just for detox, but that was at a hospital where they treated you like you were at a fancy hotel, basically. But they also gave MUCH medication during the stay, which really helps the detox process. Not at all bad. But very drugged. There is alot I don;t remember from the detoxes, because of the meds.
But I also attended a treatment center that was very generic like, that's about the only way I can describe it compared to the other. That detox center only cost like about 2500.00 or so, but at that detox center, they gave you nothing, if you weren't staying for the whole detox and treatment, it was much different that the other detox hospital. You were basically just there so they could watch over you to be sure you were ok during detox. That was a really tough detox. If I knew I was not going to get any meds at that one, I would have stayed home, because I could have and did many times, detox myself. Although it is very wise to have a doctor oversee your detox, even if your not in the hospital. I just felt that way, because if I was going to feel sick from detox, I would rather have done that at home...
You should really see a doctor no matter what.. It is safer.
If you choose a detox center, just call ahead of time, ask alot of questions, ask about what they do for you while your detoxing to make you more comfortable if anything. Also ask about the cost if you need to know that, they really range alot in how they do things. then ask what you can not bring along, and if you can wash your clothes, that way you know how much to bring. Althoug during detox, you really don't need many clothes. I wore my pj's, but you might want to see, I also brought extras for sweating purposes.
I know this is alot oif info. I have given you, but I think it is good for anyone to know things ahead of time,and the best way is to call and get the info ahead of time.
Also this is important, alot of times, detox centers have waiting lists, you don't just enter like a hospital, alot of them have 1 floor or section for the drug and alcohol unit, and usually more people wanting in, than bed available. So you may want to call ahead, a while ahead, and ask about a waiting list, if they normally have one, and if so, how much time you should set it up with them.
I hope all of this helps.
Please check with a doctor, like I said if I had seen MY doctor I NOW see, I wouldn't have went to one at all. It would hae saved me much money to WORK with him instead. But if you need treatment then I feel a detox/treatment center is the best..

Keep us posted on how your doing, Love Becky

[Alera]

Thanks for your advice. I did just that. Its not the opiates that are the main worry as I generally take them only as needed. Its a RX barb that goes with the codiene. I'm tapering off, starting today. I also confronted the MD that prescribed them and didn't keep in check how many or how often I was refilling. I handed him what was left in the bottle and told him "I don't need these anymore. They are hurting me worse than the pain."

It was a real power moment. I felt good and I was in control.

So it will be 14 days til I'm clean. Can't wait. And I'm checking in with my primary care again in 7 days (saw him this morning, told him I decided to come clean NOW this afternoon).

[Alera]

I wanted to share a "Wow!" moment with you. As I was finishing my last post I saw the word "tapering" and realized I had forgotten to take my dose half an hour ago. Now that would never have happened before. I'd be glued to my watch until it was 'safe' to take the next pills.

[eddie z.]

Just be really careful, Alera! Since it's a barb (I'm assuming butalbital, right?), you're at much higher risk of SERIOUS problems, like seizures or even death. I would STRONGLY suggest you don't try to detox yourself from that stuff. You may need inpatient after all, or at least a professionally supervised taper. Now that you've come clean, maybe you can get some help with that tapering schedule, OK? I'm just worried about you and want you to be safe.

Love and hugs,
Eddie

[angelgirl]

Alera, yep, for sure, I did the same thing, as I'm sure all of us did. also watched the clock, waiting for the "next safe time" to take more. Ha, like it was safe ever to take them like we did!!!!!
Also, Eddie has given you very good advice, you should really try to follow it. Doing it the unsafe way is not good.
Keep us posted, hope it goes well.
Love, Becky

[Alera]

Originally Posted by eddie z.

Just be really careful, Alera! Since it's a barb (I'm assuming butalbital, right?), you're at much higher risk of SERIOUS problems, like seizures or even death. I would STRONGLY suggest you don't try to detox yourself from that stuff. You may need inpatient after all, or at least a professionally supervised taper. Now that you've come clean, maybe you can get some help with that tapering schedule, OK? I'm just worried about you and want you to be safe.

Love and hugs,
Eddie

That's the one! I am doing it with supervision of my primary care doctor. 2 days and I lower the dose one pill, then two days and lower again. Then I'll be half a pill for a few days. I'll be seeing my primary half-way through the taper and again before I go off. It was his idea to taper off this way. After reading these posts, I'm glad I decided to taper!

Thank you eddie z and angelgirl for your support and kind words. Eddie, I thought of your bunny last night and gave her a cyber wave. Jane, your story was one of the reasons I decided to quit now and not wait for detox. Just the thought of having to 'visit' my bunny was too much, I am hugging the stuffing out of her as I need comfort during my psychological cravings. So Maggie Bunny sends her hugs and love to all your animals!

[eddie z.]

Originally Posted by Alera

I am doing it with supervision of my primary care doctor.

:weh I am so relieved! That's great, Alera! I hop, I mean hope (LOL), it goes well! And do let us know, OK?

(((((Maggie))))) (((((Alera)))))

Love and hugs,
Eddie

[Alera]

Love the new avatar eddie. When I tapered down from 6 to 5 I really starting spinning out of control, throwing up, migraine etc. so I'm settling on 6 for 2 additional days. I think it is a mental hurdle as well as my theraputic dose started at 6. Anyway, tomorrow or the next day I'll be tapering to 5 and then downward to zero.

Thanks for the hugs. I needed them tonight. Maggie thanks you too ( I added her to my sig

[eddie z.]

You're welcome, Alera and Maggie!! And thanks for the compliment on the avatar! DangerousDan gave it to me. I'm sorry you had a glitch in your taper. I'm hoping and praying that it will go better next time you drop down some.

Just a note, though, as far as the headache goes. Are you familiar with the concept of rebound headaches? I hate to say this, but it may me something you have to grit your teeth through. I know I had a lot of rebound pain coming off narcotics and I had to put up with it to get completely through the withdrawal.

I've just assumed you were taking the stuff for headaches to begin with 'cause that's about the only thing that sort of combination is used for. Is it migraines, then? Are they giving you any else for them, like a "triptan" or something to prevent them like Depakote? If migraines (or even other types of headaches) are your problem, then you probably need a neuro or pain specialist for managment. Hope this helps, too!

Love and hugs,
Eddie

[Alera]

Originally Posted by eddie z.

You're welcome, Alera and Maggie!! And thanks for the compliment on the avatar! DangerousDan gave it to me. I'm sorry you had a glitch in your taper. I'm hoping and praying that it will go better next time you drop down some.

Just a note, though, as far as the headache goes. Are you familiar with the concept of rebound headaches? I hate to say this, but it may me something you have to grit your teeth through. I know I had a lot of rebound pain coming off narcotics and I had to put up with it to get completely through the withdrawal.

I've just assumed you were taking the stuff for headaches to begin with 'cause that's about the only thing that sort of combination is used for. Is it migraines, then? Are they giving you any else for them, like a "triptan" or something to prevent them like Depakote? If migraines (or even other types of headaches) are your problem, then you probably need a neuro or pain specialist for managment. Hope this helps, too!

Love and hugs,
Eddie

Yeah, I know rebounds all too well, and this wasn't one. I looked at the calender and figured out where it came from LOL.
I've tried over 30 different preventatives/pain relevers etc in the past. Only two drugs worked but one made me sleep all the time (neurotin) and the other sent me to the hospital with the worst asthma attack of my life (inderal). I keep plugging away with new drugs as they become available though, and my PCP keeps a good eye on me. It was the neuros that go me hooked, and there is only one more available on my insurance with a 6+ month waiting list.

And yeah, I was taking it for migraines. They run deep in my family, as in all four grandparents, even the males, had them. But I am determined to stop the medications from running my life. If I get another migraine, I will try to wait it out and/or see the doctor. I am not going to keep taking pills everyday as a 'preventative'. The pain they caused was worse than any migraine. (thats why I slowed the taper, not stopping it or going back up!)

For now, Yoga seems to be the best for me. It stretches everything out and helps me get the enorphines going at the same time (I do Bikram Yoga.) Also, I need to be very warm to do this type of yoga and I think that helps relax the muscles.

So tomorrow I will taper down again and I'll also be seeing my primary care. I'll make sure to fill you in when I get back. This is the doctor that worked out my taper so I trust him.

[eddie z.]

Originally Posted by Alera

I am not going to keep taking pills everyday as a 'preventative'. The pain they caused was worse than any migraine.

Yeah, Inderal is not supposed to be used in people with asthma. And Neurontin made me really tired and spaced-out, too. So I understand why you wouldn't want to take either of those again. But I have had ONE migraine in my life and I can't imagine putting up with them on anything like a regular basis. Have you been on the Depakote at all? It's supposed to be really effective at preventing migraines. I'm sorry if I seem pushy, but I hate to think about anyone having to suffer through a migraine.

I also hate how ignorant of addiction so many of these neuro/pain docs are. Grrr...I know that usually their hearts are in the right place in terms of them wanting to help relieve pain, but they so often don't realize when they're just getting someone hooked. Then there are the docs who see addiction when it isn't really there and go to the opposite extreme of NOT adequately treating pain. So hard to find a doc in that happy medium, you know? Yeah, you know.

Love and hugs,
Eddie

[Alera]

Originally Posted by eddie z.

Yeah, Inderal is not supposed to be used in people with asthma. And Neurontin made me really tired and spaced-out, too. So I understand why you wouldn't want to take either of those again. But I have had ONE migraine in my life and I can't imagine putting up with them on anything like a regular basis. Have you been on the Depakote at all? It's supposed to be really effective at preventing migraines. I'm sorry if I seem pushy, but I hate to think about anyone having to suffer through a migraine.

I also hate how ignorant of addiction so many of these neuro/pain docs are. Grrr...I know that usually their hearts are in the right place in terms of them wanting to help relieve pain, but they so often don't realize when they're just getting someone hooked. Then there are the docs who see addiction when it isn't really there and go to the opposite extreme of NOT adequately treating pain. So hard to find a doc in that happy medium, you know? Yeah, you know.

Love and hugs,
Eddie

Oh I know Eddie, I know. For years I went undertreated and was in bed with headaches more than I was without. Yeap, tried both Depokote and its kissing cousin, Vaporic (sic) acid. Heck, tried that whole family! Thanks for the thoughts, and glad I wasn't the only one totally spaced out on neurotin. Heck, I was more 'stoned' on that then I was at my peak of abuse. I would literally sit down and fall asleep.