Involuntary Rehab: Can You Force Someone to go to Rehab?

Once you have decided on a course of treatment, whether it’s inpatient or outpatient care, you can phone the clinic directly and begin the admissions process. Following a telephone consultation, your loved one will be told whether they are eligible for treatment and once approved, can have transport arranged to take them there. This allows the clinic to better understand their addiction and whether they suffer from any co-occurring disorders.

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Rehabilitation works, but it’s most effective when participants are motivated to succeed. Forcing someone, while tempting, isn’t a good way to get how to get a family member into rehab them to commit to the process of getting clean. Recovery is a lifelong journey, and without focus and motivation, it’s easy to fall off the wagon. Additionally, these support groups often use a 12-step program that assists individuals in achieving long-lasting sobriety.

• Involuntary commitment involves taking away a person’s freedom and it is not a decision that should be made lightly.
• And even if the loved one does agree to enter rehab, it’s not a given that the treatment program will “take” and be successful the first time.
• Laws for involuntary commitment for addiction treatment differ by state.
• The best way to get a loved one the help they need is to convince them to go to rehab voluntarily.

Can you send someone to rehab without their consent?

Instead, exhaust all other options and resources before making such a decision. It is possible, that rehab, whether it is voluntary or not, will not be successful and this is largely dependent on the individual. Helping a person achieve the clarity of mind free from the effects of mind and mood-altering substances can help them realize the need for treatment. Even if forced rehab is not successful, it puts them in a situation where they must consider their options and assess their situation, which is a vital first step. You could also try to get their doctor to help or ask a medical professional to discuss addiction with them. A rehab clinician may be able to provide an intervention, which involves an organized attempt to confront a loved one about how their alcohol or drug abuse has affected all those around them.

Can You Force Someone into Rehab?

Petitioners who want to begin the process typically need to provide supporting evidence. They ensure due process and make determinations about involuntary commitment. No matter the situation, it’s important to approach it with empathy and encourage the person to seek help. If you’re facing a difficult situation and need guidance, it’s a good idea to talk to addiction specialists or a legal professional. They can provide personalized advice based on your situation and local laws.

• The person might refuse treatment, but if they are in a state of crisis (e.g., severely impaired by their addiction), a judge or healthcare provider might authorize them to enter a rehab facility without their consent.
• Sober College is also able to help with setting up transportation and helping your child get into treatment safely and quickly.
• After the period of involuntary care ends, as ordered by the court, the court can either order additional treatment or else the individual is free to leave the rehab facility.
• Patients have the fundamental right to refuse treatment, and healthcare providers must uphold these rights.
• Depending on your relationship with the person who needs help, you should also consider seeing a therapist or counselor yourself.

These laws can help a person receive the care and attention they need, especially if they’re at risk of harming themselves or others. A doctor, therapist, or other medical professional can help determine the best treatment plan for your loved one. In addition, many behavioral therapies include family counseling, which will allow you to confront the problems with your loved one.

It can be a very difficult decision trying to determine if it is even worth it to admit a loved one into a rehab clinic against their will. You may even be wondering if it will be worth going through all the trouble if your loved one is not motivated to be there. When involuntary rehab was mandated for less than 6 months there were no benefits. Each state has different criteria for who can petition for a loved one to be involuntarily committed to rehab. Additionally, states vary on the evaluation process and the petition process.3 As seen in the 3 laws mentioned above, petitions for involuntary commitment typically go through the civil court system.

These alternatives can empower individuals to take charge of their addiction treatment, making them more invested in the recovery process and achieving long-term success. Patients have the fundamental right to refuse treatment, and healthcare providers must uphold these rights. One essential aspect of patient rights is informed consent, which protects their right to receive sufficient information about their diagnosis and all available treatment options in terms they can comprehend. Before a healthcare provider can begin any course of treatment, they must make the individual aware of what they plan to do. The 12-Step approach to addiction treatment is an abstinence-based programme, that sets out guidelines to help with the treatment of substance and behavioural addictions. The 12-Step programme focuses on changing unhealthy thought processes and aims to eliminate addictive behaviours while incorporating elements of spirituality.

Examples of Forced Rehab

Surprisingly, many states also have involuntary commitment laws for adults. When comparing the process of forcing a child into rehab versus another adult forcing another adult into rehab, there are different processes. Forcing someone who doesn’t want to go to rehab to enter a treatment program may get them through the door, but it’s not going to show them the value in getting help. While living in a treatment center, they may go through the motions, participate in therapy sessions, and spend time with others in recovery, but the commitment needed to get clean will be missing. And, unfortunately, without a focused commitment, substance users are likely to finish treatment and return immediately to their old habits. A moment of clarity may occasionally happen while in rehab but it’s not guaranteed.

Learning Center

• In some parts of the U.S., laws exist that could allow a person with a serious addiction to be treated for their condition, even if they don’t want to.
• Various specialized rehabs also exist, such as luxury or holistic treatment centers, providing specific care or services tailored to each individual’s needs.
• There’s a lot to consider, but it’s best to fully understand the protocol and all the resources at your disposal before you make a decision.
• If they’re hesitant, mental health professionals and addiction specialists can provide more guidance.
• When it comes down to it, it’s essential to check the laws in your specific state or country and abide by them accordingly.

Don’t believe the myth that a person has to hit rock bottom before they benefit from treatment. People who need to be convinced to enter rehab can, and do, have successful experiences. Instead of asking yourself if you can make someone go to rehab, start thinking about how you can convince your loved one that rehab is the right place for them.

• Knowing that someone you care about has become trapped in the downward spiral of addiction can be devastating.
• People typically have the right to make their own healthcare decisions, including addiction treatment.
• These laws can serve as an effective means of getting help for individuals resistant to rehab but note that they should be used as a last resort when other approaches fail.
• The man had a history of drug addiction and had previously refused treatment, but the judge ordered him to attend a rehab program as a condition of his probation.

This mutual support can foster a strong sense of community and understanding, helping individuals realize they are not alone in their fight against addiction. In 2018, a judge in Massachusetts ordered a man to undergo drug treatment after he was found in possession of fentanyl. The man had previously refused treatment, but the judge ordered him to attend a rehab program as a condition of his probation. There are various types of rehabs, and it’s essential to choose the one that best meets the individual’s needs. The two main categories of rehabs are inpatient and outpatient facilities. If you are ready to pursue treatment options for your child, send what is Oxford House us a message, or learn more about our admissions process.