<p>Tough questions.
I would think that a person would have to demonstrate residency in another state to qualify for state assistance (ie Medicaid) but this should be handled by the facility’s social services department as part of discharge planning.</p>
<p>My recommendation is to get a counselor for YOU and discuss the situation with him/her. Get someone who is experienced in the sort of issues that your niece has. This is not something to take on without having all of the information and knowledge you can gather, and even then may not be a wise move to make.</p>
<p>Just checked, and all of the Oxford Houses in our area seem to be for men. In fact, the vast majority of the programs are for men. 
We are searching for others. </p>
<p>Clearly, we will eventually need to find out if the hospital she is in now has an aftercare plan for her. It sounded to BIL as if the somewhat drunken and very emotional phone call from the ex was “to find someone to take her.” I can’t blame her for being overwhelmed: she’s been carrying this burden alone for a long time. But it can be hard to get info.</p>
<p>Yes, you really need to talk to someone in Maine. </p>
<p>I’m not sure, but around here there’s a waiting period for the state funded facilities, and with the recent reduction in funding (social services are always cut first in a recession), some of the places have gone “for-profit,” just because it is a more sustainable business model.</p>
<p>I’d start with your most local rehabilitation center, just becuase, even if your neice will not be a patient there, they will talk to you and tell you their options. They will know who you need to call, and don’t be afraid to ask who the best person is to call in whichever offices they give you. At any treatment facility, they will talk to you and help you, if they can. People who do this job do this because they want to help.</p>
<p>And Cpt. isn’t wrong, either. As good-hearted as you are being, just make sure you are protected, yourself. Addicts, while really wonderful people, in most cases, can be pretty desperate, too, and absolutely can’t be trusted when they are using. </p>
<p>Good luck to you.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that unless yoru niece signs a release of information you will not be able to get information from her treatment facility. Ditto with calling local treatment centers. You are wonderfully kind to start to look into resources for her, but they may ask some information that at this point you don’t know the answer to. </p>
<p>If she has just gone into treatment then it may be too early to know what their aftercare treatment recommendations will be. And many facilities have their own arrangements for step-down care. And as you said, there may be other variables (eg legal charges?) that may keep her from leaving the state. If she gives you permission to speak to her treatment team, you can perhaps find out from them what they are looking at for aftercare. What state does she currently live in?</p>
<p>I sent you a PM.</p>
<p>Yes, I sent you a reply</p>
<p>Thanks to the knowledgeable and generous people here–I knew you would come through for me! 
--we now have a much better understanding of how these things work. Over the coming months, we will concentrate on gathering whatever accurate information we can about her situation, and demonstrating our support–at a distance. If and when she is ready to move forward with forging a different life, we will be there to offer a fresh context in which she can do so, if she wishes. And I think that her father will, with our support, take steady steps to demonstrate his love for her and perhaps make a little progress towards mending their relationship.</p>
<p>One more question for the experts: is it considered wise, or is it even allowed, to send cards or care packages to someone who is in the initial 30-day detox phase in a hospital? (When I say “care packages,” in my case I probably mean some of the candy I make. I can imagine that there might be a problem with such things as a possible route for contraband drugs.)</p>
<p>Does the facility have a website? If so, you might be able to find out from there the policy on sending gifts. If not, call the facility and ask. Its absolutely fine to send a card, but you are right about their possible concern about food products. </p>
<p>Sounds like you have a great plan. And its also wonderful that her dad wants to work to mend their relationship. Perhaps that can be part of her long term treatment plan. You are wonderful, caring people who are kind to offer your support, and to do so at the best/right time is also important in her recovery as she directs it.</p>
<p>We are hoping to get the name of the hospital–we REALLY are in the dark about a lot of stuff!–by talking to the ex this evening. At the moment all we know is the city it is in.</p>
<p>OH-- you don’t know the name of the facility. Well then, just send me the chocolates. I’ll take good care of them. I promise :)</p>
<p>If you ever need more info about help in Maine, I have a contact I could ask. She works with women in a halfway house. Probably not the right one in this case, but she seems to know a lot about the system up here. I have learned that Maine does pretty well, at least in mental health. One of my sons had a hard time a couple of weeks ago in class, and the school called an agency that came to evaluate him. The guy talked to him, called me, then followed DS home in his car to make sure he got here safely. Everything turned out fine - I was really pleased with how it was handled, and it was all a “free” public service.</p>
<p>You could send her a card if you want. At some facilities they will be attempting to keep her off of sugar, caffiene and tobacco, as well as more obvious mood altering substances.</p>
<p>I will tell you, Heroin addicts, IME, tend to be very emotionally sensitive and to feel very abandoned when they are in early recovery, so even just your support, from a distance (wise choice, btw), will mean a lot to her.</p>
<p>She is young. Be prepared for some stops and starts. Relapse is considered to be a part of this disease, as it is with heart disease and diabetes, so she may or may not take to recovery her first try. The important thing is just that she knows there are people who love her, but who will not support her addiction.</p>
<p>You are very good to offer her your support. Aside from negative mood states, a lack of support from loved ones (let’s face it, those closest to the addict are frequently and rightfully furious with them. ) can be one of the hardest barriers to overcome. Of course, you have also figured out to protect yourself in all of this, and that just shows you are not just good-hearted, but healthy.</p>
<p>Good luck to your niece.</p>