If you live in Florida and have a loved one who is struggling with the disease of addiction or a serious mental health issue, you may not know what to do. Knowing about the Baker Act and the Marchman Act for drug treatment can help you get your loved one the assistance they need. Addiction is a cunning disease that makes a person believe that they don’t have a problem, and this is often why they’re resistant to treatment. The Baker Act and Marchman Act can help your loved one get the help that they need when they aren’t in the right state of mind.
When people are struggling with the disease of addiction or a serious mental illness, they aren’t in the right state of mind. This can lead to a person being a danger to themselves or others while also refusing to get help. The Baker Act and Marchman Act were implemented in Florida to not only keep the person safe but others safe as well. Through these acts, your loved one can get the help that they deserve to live an incredible life.
What’s the Difference Between the Baker Act and the Marchman Act?
The Baker Act and Marchman Act are similar, but they’re used in two different situations. Both of these acts allow law enforcement to step in and get Florida citizens to help if they might be of harm to themselves or others. These acts mean that a person can be held for up to 72 hours for an involuntary assessment for mental health or substance abuse issues. Specifically, the Baker Act is for mental health issues, and the Marchman Act is for those struggling with substance abuse issues.
Here are some of the criteria for someone to be admitted based on these acts:
- The person is refusing examination or can’t determine if they need an examination (Baker Act)
- There is a strong likelihood that of harm through self-neglect or refusal to take care of oneself(Baker Act)
- There is a strong likelihood that the person can cause harm to themselves or others(Baker Act)
- The person using substances may harm themselves or others(Marchman Act)
- The person is unable to make the decision about getting help due to substance abuse(Marchman Act)
It’s important to understand both of these acts because those who are struggling with the disease of addiction can be extremely irrational and sometimes dangerous. Many of those who have an addiction also have another mental health issue, which may or may not be caused by the substances themselves. If you’re the loved one of someone who has an addiction, you need to always remember that they aren’t someone who is bad, but they’re someone who is very sick. Physicians, psychiatric nurses, psychologists, law enforcement and others can assist you with the Baker or Marchman Act.
If you’d like more information about how to help your loved one overcome their addiction, give us a call today at 833-497-3808.