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Scenario: Tony wants you to help him urgently arrange a 'medical dryout'. He states that he was 'barred forever' because of the occurrence of epilepsy once at a detoxification centre. This sounds exaggerated but you keep it in mind. He states he has been using heroin daily for the last six months, but that he wants to 'give it all up'. What do you do?
You turn to the list of alcohol or drug 'residential detoxification' services section of this handbook. After making a few calls, you decide the best available option is an appointment in two weeks time at Moreland Hall. Naturally, Tony is neither happy with this delay nor with the request for a small payment to gain a bed there, but you know that this will be a good test of his motivation. You talk to your co-workers, and, after reading the 'treatment options' section, decide to consult a local general practitioner.
The doctor assesses Tony and offers to start him on a methadone program. Tony initially refuses the offer, but after further discussion agrees to try methadone on a short-term basis. You agree to find Tony suitable accommodation, and he agrees to accept supervised medication from the doctor. He agrees to cease drug use, to cooperate with random urine testing, and agrees not to obtain medication elsewhere. Good luck!
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