It’s heart-wrenching and difficult to stay quiet when a loved one is suffering from a drug or alcohol addiction. You’re desperate to get them help, but you’re also hesitant about approaching them out of fear of the response. They might display defiance, aggression, hostility or even plain denial. You know rehab is the best option for your loved one, but they refuse to consider it. Can you force someone into rehab? Will it even be effective? This article, by premier addiction specialists, Avenues Recovery, will discuss your concerns about forced rehab.
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Key Takeaways
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When Is Forced Rehab an Option?
There are ways to admit someone to drug rehab against their will. If any of the following apply to your loved one, they may be eligible for involuntary commitment to rehab:
- If the person is under 18 years of age and you’re the parent or legal guardian, you are allowed to admit them to rehab, even without their consent.
- If you can prove that the person is a threat to themself or those around them, they can be involuntarily committed to rehab.
By taking the person to a drug court, they’ll be sent to a treatment facility instead of prison. However, the person must first be arrested, plead guilty, and be willing to go ahead with the treatment program.
What Are the Involuntary Commitment Laws for Rehab?
The involuntary commitment laws allow facilities to accept patients who are exhibiting signs of mental illness. There is a process involved in placing someone into rehab against their will; there are some criteria that must be met, based on how dangerous the situation is. These criteria differ between states. The following requirements must usually be met:
- The individual poses a danger to themself or those around them.
- The person suffering from SUD is physically or mentally disabled, and is incapable of making their own decisions. For example, they have no power to control their urges for substance use.
- The person cannot tend to their own basic physical needs.
It’s best to consult a local expert for more information about your state’s specific process.
The duration of the patient’s stay in rehab also differs between states. Each state decides how long the person will remain in rehab, ensuring that the duration is kept at a minimum so as not to invade the person’s rights. It can range between 3 days to a year. They also have the right to lengthen the person’s duration if they deem it necessary, e.g., if the person needs further treatment.
Which States Have Involuntary Commitment Laws?
37 states and the District of Columbia have involuntary commitment laws. Bear in mind that the exact process will differ from state to state.
Below is the list of participating states:
- Alaska
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Indiana
- Lowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Can you also force someone into rehab for alcoholism through the involuntary commitment laws, or only SUD?
Yes. These 37 states have involuntary commitment laws for the treatment of both alcoholism and SUD. Vermont is the only state which permits involuntary commitment for SUD only. On the flip side, Rhode Island and Montana permit involuntary commitment for alcohol addiction only.
Does Forced Rehab Work?
Involuntary treatment has been a highly debated issue for many years. Some people say that the will to change must come from within, and that forced rehab won’t really help. However, it could be argued that someone who is suffering from a substance disorder will probably never help themself due to their inability to make the right choices or even think rationally. Paranoia, depression and anxiety are some of many distressing symptoms that could prevent a person from getting the help they need. Hence, forced rehab might be the ideal or even the sole option in situations like these.
Based on past experiences, each state will give a different response as to whether or not forcing someone into rehab will have positive results. Some studies have shown that relapse is more likely to occur soon after discharge if the treatment was involuntary. However, it’s been proven that treatment can still be effective despite it being involuntary.
How to Get Someone Into Rehab Without Forcing Them
Above, we discussed ways to force someone into rehab when they’re incapacitated and unable to make sound decisions. But is there a more gentle and supportive option?
The ideal would be to be able to get through to the addict you love and convince them that they need treatment, but unfortunately, this doesn’t usually work. People suffering from addiction often refuse rehab because:
- They are in denial about the severity of their disorder.
- They are afraid of rehab or the painful withdrawal symptoms that accompany detox.
- They can’t afford rehab.
- They are ashamed to admit they need help.
There are no rules that work for everyone. You could initially try to use a more sympathetic and caring approach, which may have positive results. If that doesn’t work, and you believe that it’s imperative for your loved one to go to rehab, it may be wise to force them. They’ll thank you later.
Top tip:
The key is to be persistent. Continue taking steps to protect your loved one and try to intervene when you sense that they are less resistant to help (i.e. after they suffered an injury while under the influence).
Get Avenues Recovery’s Advice on Forcing Someone Into Rehab
If someone you care about is struggling with addiction and requires treatment, contact us. Our competent and professional staff at Avenues Recovery can advise you on whether to force your loved one into rehab at this point.. We’re also happy to advise you on how to speak to your loved one in the best way to ensure positive results. It’s challenging to go through this difficult process alone, so please reach out to us - we’re here to ensure a smooth and successful journey for you and your loved one.
FAQs About Forcing Someone Into Rehab
Can you force someone to go to rehab?
Yes. In some cases, parents, courts, or state laws allow a person to be admitted to rehab without their consent. This is usually done through involuntary commitment laws.
What is an involuntary commitment law for rehab?
An involuntary commitment law for rehab allows someone with a substance use disorder to be admitted to treatment without their consent if they are a danger to themselves or others, or unable to care for their basic needs.
What states have involuntary rehab laws?
Thirty-seven states and the District of Columbia allow involuntary commitment for drug or alcohol addiction. The process and length of stay vary by state.
Does forced rehab work?
Yes, forced rehab can work. Even if someone begins treatment unwillingly, rehab can still help them stabilize, develop coping skills, and eventually engage in recovery.
How long can someone be kept in rehab against their will?
Someone can be kept in rehab against their law for different amounts of time, depending on state law. Stays may last from a few days up to one year, with extensions possible if doctors believe more treatment is needed.
Can you force someone into rehab for alcohol addiction?
Yes, you can force someone into rehab for alcoholism in most states, though not all.