Q: I have a friend who is 66 and is a danger to herself and others. Is there anything I can do?
She is married but her husband - whom she has shot at - lives apart from her. She has also discharged firearms in her home and they have not been confiscated. She is a severe alcoholic and has been hospitalized involuntarily several times. The last time, the authorities wanted to keep her for several weeks but her husband had her discharged so he could have her issue him some checks (he admitted this to me directly). I fear for her - she needs to be institutionalized - and for others. She drives inebriated to procure liquor. She was also at one time a high-profile celebrity who lives in San Antonio. I have been a friend for over 40 years and am hoping there is an answer.
A:
People cannot be involuntarily committed unless they are an imminent danger to themselves or others. You may call the Travis County Mental Health Police in Central Texas or a similar group elsewhere but by the time they arrive, will the danger be imminent?
Has your friend been charged with assault with a deadly weapon or something similar?
Has she evidenced self-neglect which might bring Adult Protective Services into the picture?
Is her alcoholism advanced to the point that she is unable to manage her finances and take care of herself such that she needs a guardian?
Can her husband take away her guns? The keys to the car?
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