Can You Force Someone into Rehab? Exploring the Boundaries of Intervention

The National Institute on Drug Abuse mentions that more than 20 million Americans exhibit symptoms diagnosable as substance addiction, but only one in ten people get the required treatment. When a family member or friend battles with substance abuse, you’ll go to the ends of the earth to help them get well. Talking to them can make them realize they need treatment. For others, talking through them isn’t enough.

People ask common questions: “Can you force someone into rehab?” Is it logical and ethical? Can a person check themselves out of a rehab center? It’s understandable for families to persuade their loved ones battling drug addiction to get help and remain till they get better. How do you encourage an individual to get help when they refuse treatment?

Healing Pines Recovery is a men’s Colorado drug rehab that can help.

Can You Force Someone into Rehab?

Before we answer the question, you need to understand the two primary types of commitment in addiction treatment – voluntary and involuntary admission. Voluntary commitment is when an individual willingly agrees to enroll in rehab. The person has decided to address their addiction by seeking treatment.

Conversely, involuntary commitment is when someone is placed in a rehab facility against their will. Even though you have good intentions for the individual whose addiction is blatant, involuntarily forcing them might attract legal consequences.

The legal aspect is one of the first things to factor in when exploring the alternative of forcing someone into rehab. In the case of minors, the parents can force their child into a rehab clinic even without the child’s approval. In the case of an adult, it is different.

So, can you force someone into rehab? Yes, if you understand the legal processes involved. One way is drug courts. Drug courts order offenders with substance addiction to enroll in a supervised medical facility instead of sending them to prison. However, the person must have been arrested, pleaded guilty, and agreed to get supervised medical treatment.

An alternative for families to help a loved one get treatment is through involuntary commitment laws. Currently, 37 states in the U.S. allow for involuntary commitment, meaning you can coerce an adult family member into rehab against their will. The laws vary by jurisdiction, and specific criteria must be satisfied to implement the law.

In states with this law, you must provide evidence in court that

• The person has substance abuse issues
• The person has inflicted injuries upon themselves, or they are at risk of doing so
• Addiction has made them incapacitated
• They are unable to fend for themselves or fulfill their primary needs
• They have a loss of control

The person who can petition the court also differs according to jurisdiction. However, the individual with drug or alcohol addiction must be thoroughly accessed by a medical practitioner, who will acknowledge, in writing, that the affected person needs rehab treatment. The affected person in question also has the right to legal representation. They may be appointed a court attorney if they can’t afford one. The person can file for habeas corpus writ to have the court establish that they have been legally detained.

When Is Intervention Required?

Launching an intervention can be tricky with no prior experience. An intervention may be warranted if it interferes with your loved one’s work life and well-being. The following are signs to note;

• Repeated failures to stop using
• A deteriorating physical and mental health
• Inexplicable behavior, often reckless and impulsive
• An unwillingness to get treatment despite the adverse effects

Organizing an intervention takes work. You can’t do it alone because of the intricacies involved. Therefore, seeking an expert interventionist is vital. Addiction specialists can evaluate the situation and recommend the best course of action.

How to Organize an Intervention

You must approach the situation with compassion and meticulousness if intervention is inevitable. Here is what to do;

• Gather a trustworthy team comprising close friends, family members, and a professional drug interventionist.
• Set the date, time, and location of the intervention. The place must be comfortable for the individual needing the intervention.
• Avoid confrontational communication. Be open and listen with empathy.
• Proffer treatment as solutions, listing the benefits, treatment length, and treatment type. You must be knowledgeable about this. Otherwise, allow the interventionist to take it from here.
• Should they turn down treatment, don’t panic. Keep tabs on the individual and constantly remind them they will feel better after treatment.

Healing Pines Can Help You Stage an Intervention

Committing a person to rehab is a complicated process with many legal intricacies. While it’s a straightforward answer for minors, it can be legally complex for adults. Before arriving in this situation, intervention should be approached with meticulousness and empathy. You can successfully set up an intervention with our staff at our alcohol rehab in Colorado. We will support and guide you to implement the best action for a successful outcome. Reach out to us if you need help setting up one.