Day 6 - A client self-discharged after 3 days. We talked to her and tried to convince her to stay but she kept saying "I can't do it", and "I feel like I'm going crazy". Because she had already bonded with the other clients, we had a meeting with them after she left so they could talk about how they felt about her leaving.
Day 7 - A new client was admitted and he was clearly high on heroin but denied that he had just had some. It's not unusual for them to have one last hit before to ease their anxiety. Some tell you straight out that that's what they did, while others are ashamed or think they'll be judged negatively for doing that. Actually the reason the nursing staff need to know is because we need to monitor their withdrawal symptoms and planning their medication accordingly. He had no withdrawal symptoms, speech very slurred, very flat affect, about a 5 second delay when you ask him a question and pupils were not reacting to light (we shine a torch in their eyes). When someone has had narcotics, whether it's heroin, morphine or general anaesthesia, their pupils are very small and do not reacted to light. When we did his bag search (I get to live my border security fantasy or being a customs officer by doing bag searches when the clients come in), we found two used syringes in his backpack. It was a difficult and awkward admission, he seemed very negative and not sure about being in detox, and had no plans for when he got out.
Day 8 - slept through my alarm and was two hours late today . . . oops! luckily they said it was no problem. I offered to stay back to make up the hours but they said not to worry about it.
Day 9 - Led an afternoon discussion group on "mindfullness" - being mindful of your thoughts, words, behaviour and the effects they have on those around you, especially in this environment right now. The client who was admitted two days previously who was high on heroin when he came in, is now coming out of his shell, we are seeing more of his personality, sense of humour and other good qualities he has. He says he feels "straight" and really good, and that he is really enjoying being here . . what a turnaround! Actually it is very heartwarming to see that by the end of their stay, most clients don't want to leave because they are so happy with where they are at, in a safe, supportive, happy, healthy, drug free environment. However, they have to move on and start rebuilding their life. Most go to assited living/rehab facilities with a plan to stay for three months or more. The places they go to have activities to keep them busy, regular/daily AA and NA meetings, meditation, housework and other life skills they have to do, and counselling. They are allowed to leave, but they get random urine testing and if they have been drinking or using drugs they're out.
Day 10 - watched a documentary about recovering heroin addicts on the methadone program. After watching this I am totally for this program. Not everyone realises this but being on the methadone (or suboxone) program means these addicts have to go to the same pharmacy every day for their dose, and it does not make them feel 'high' or like they have had 'free heroin'. The drug does affect the same opiate receptors but it just makes them feel 'normal' or 'straight' and not craving heroin. Some addicts do use heroin on top of their methadone because psychologically they want the 'rush', however physically they do not need it. Being on methadone is expensive, about $150 per month, and it is not covered by PBS. However, it is a lot cheaper than having a daily heroin addiction which can cost up to $100 a day for long-term users, and most of them would have to commit crimes such as burglary or prostitution to find this kind of money.
Also took a couple of clients clothes shopping at the Salvation Army store. Some clients are homeless or come to detox with just the clothes they are wearing. If they have no money they can get a voucher.
The last thing that happened today is I am going to be a Salvation Army volunteer! I will be doing a one hour meditation and relaxation techniques instruction and discussion group every week in the next month's activities program. I will most probably doing it on a week night. How exciting! I am really happy about this.
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