You might have tried several ways to see your loved one through the dark tunnel of drug addiction. But every option has hit the dead-end. You’ve now decided that addiction treatment rehabilitation centers are the way to go. Now, that’s the wisest choice. But you soon encounter a hurdle: the person doesn’t want anything to do with this option. So the question is, does forced rehab work?
Helping Children Addicted to Substance Abuse
When thinking of substance abuse, it’s essential to understand that the issue is not just among older or young adults alone- teenagers are also susceptible to it. The affected adolescents should be helped as early as possible to prevent it from worsening.
Is your child 18 years or below? It can be easy to force them into rehab. But if they don’t dedicate themselves to the healing process, it becomes hard to bear positive results.
On the other hand, once a person turns 18, forcing them to go to rehab can prove to be an overwhelming task. Some young adults tend to avoid checking into an addiction treatment facility. And parents are getting more desperate in the face of the increasing number of persons with substance use disorder (think benzodiazepines and opioids).
Forced Rehab: California’s Involuntary Commitment Law
Families in Fresno, California, and the rest of the state can take advantage of the involuntary commitment law to petition for a court order that forces their loved ones to check into a rehabilitation center.
But first things first- you must prove that the person is actually suffering from substance use disorder and is at risk of causing harm to themselves or others. Also, consult legal counsel to ensure that the performance of court-ordered rehab.
Here are some general steps to follow:
- You’ll fill a form to indicate why the individual needs the rehab
- You’ll submit it to a judge for review
- The court will issue a hearing. Here, you should plead your case
- Your affected loved one will also get a chance to plead their case
- Once the judge makes their decision, the individual will be taken into custody to commence treatment
Going through the court-ordered process can be the best time-controlled option for helping the individual out of the issue. But it may turn out to be an ineffective approach- the loved one may see it as a legal punishment rather than a chance for holistic transformation.
So first, try to walk with your adult child lovingly as a family before choosing this path. That way, you’ll increase the chances of winning their hearts.
Emergency-ordered Treatment
Substance use disorder can necessitate the need for emergency hospitalization. This option is allowed when the person struggles with mental or physical issues arising from their condition.
In the hospital, mental health specialists will evaluate and assess the patient’s condition. The individual can be taken into custody for screenings. Here, the police officer may also do their evaluation before the person transitions into a rehab center.
- The family or parent will fill and submit a form detailing the reason for rehab
- A hearing will occur to assess the condition
- The judge will make the final decision
Does Forced Rehab Work?
According to a 2016 Massachusetts Department of Public Health report, the period between 2011 and 2014 saw the number of patients (under involuntary commitment programs) dying of an opioid-related overdose, doubling the rate of individuals who chose the treatment voluntarily.
But a study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) found out that rehabilitation centers have the positive potential for recovery success, whether the patients commence treatment under voluntary or involuntary programs. It revealed that after five years, individuals from both sides had similar success rates.
Wrap Up
If you’ve decided to take your loved one through a forced rehabilitation to help them beat that drug addiction, you need a reliable partner. First Step Recovery is an addiction treatment center that offers high-quality care for people in Central California. Call us now to kick-start this journey, and we shall walk with you: 844-489-0836
