According to The National Institute on Drug Abuse, over 23-million men and women need help with their substance abuse problems. Unfortunately, only eleven percent of them get the help they need for their addiction. If someone you love is the one who is struggling to overcome a substance abuse problem, you’re probably researching everything you can to learn how to get them the help they so desperately need. However, your loved one may not be as fully committed to the idea as you are. In fact, they may be downright hostile and unresponsive to your pleas.
You may be looking at desperate measures to keep your loved one alive and healthy. Involuntary commitment may be one thought that has crossed your mind. Are there ever involuntary patients at substance abuse treatment centers in Florida? And if so, do they work? Keep reading to learn more on the subject.
Involuntary Commitment through a Court-Order
If a person has committed a crime under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they may be ordered to attend rehab as part of their sentence. In this case, they will have to go to an approved treatment program if they want to get off of probation and finish their sentence. If they don’t go, they may be faced with large fines, jail time, or both. In some cases, a person will be made to go to rehab for their first offense in return for less or no jail time.
Involuntary Laws in the United States
When someone you love or care for is addicted to drugs or alcohol, you may be wondering whether or not you can force them to go to rehab. While it may be possible in some states, involuntary commitment laws are not simple. If your minor child is the one addicted, then you may have a lot more rights when you’re trying to involuntarily commit them to rehab. If the addict isn’t a minor, you will likely have to go to court to make any progress.
To have someone involuntarily committed, you’ll be asked to prove that they have a serious substance abuse disorder. In many states, you’ll need to show the judge that the addict has hurt themselves or others because of their drug use. If you can also show that the person is now incapable of caring for their basic needs because of their addiction, this may also help you win your case for involuntary commitment. At the present moment, 37 states, including Florida, allow adults to be involuntarily committed for addiction treatment. The process for each case varies from state to state as does the length of time the individual can be committed for.
Remember, any adult that you are trying to have committed will have the right to have their own attorney representation in court. In many cases, a court will provide an attorney for an individual who cannot afford their own.
Does Involuntary Rehab Work?
You may be wondering whether or not involuntary rehab works. Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot of data to answer this question. It’s a well-known argument that rehab will not work unless the individual is ready for it. Most addicts refuse to even try to get clean until they decide on their own that they are ready. Additionally, many patients that are not there of their own free will are there because of compulsory court programs. Many only do their time until they can get out and use again.
While there is a chance that you may be able to force someone you love into a rehab program, it is important to understand that it may not work for them. However, if you are gravely concerned for the safety and well-being of that particular individual, it may be worth the struggle in the long run. Until then, the best course of action is to do what you can to convince your loved one to check into a rehab center on their own.
One of the best ways to get someone to face their addiction is to stage an intervention for them. A professional intervention may bring about positive results if done correctly, so talk to your local rehab facility for more information on how to stage a proper intervention.
We can answer all of your questions
We understand how hard it is to watch someone you love and care about go through the struggle of addiction. If you have more questions about the process of involuntary commitment in Florida, we’re ready to help. You can reach us, day or night, at 833-497-3808.