Can You Force Someone into Rehab?
It is common for loved ones and family members to eventually ask whether their loved one who is an addict can be forced into rehab. Unfortunately, this question looms more prominent today than ever due to a couple of troubling statistics. First, the percentage of people receiving help for substance abuse is slightly above ten percent. Secondly, fatal overdoses continue rising—almost tripling between 1999 and 2014. So it is not surprising that families and substance abuse experts are exploring various options. One is an involuntary commitment to treatment centers to help stem the tide of untreated drug and alcohol abuse. Find the answer to “can you force someone into rehab” below.
To learn more about our safe and effective recovery programs, contact Myrtle Beach Recovery. Our goal is to equip our residents with the tools necessary to live a happy, successful, and fulfilling life.
Can You Force Someone into Rehab?
Family and friends of someone with substance abuse often find themselves willing to do anything to break the grip of drugs or alcohol on their loved one. Occasionally, a heart-to-heart discussion about the problem is enough to convince them to seek addiction treatment. But unfortunately, the low percentage of people receiving treatment indicates that most are unwilling to enter a treatment facility voluntarily. This could be due to misconceptions; you can reach out to us to find out what the experience would really be like for your loved one.
Families desperate for help can often find hope in their states’ laws governing involuntary commitment for substance abuse. Most states, including South Carolina, have laws allowing family members or friends to force their loved one into rehab.
2 Types of Forced Rehab
Like most other states, South Carolina has laws to aid the concerned party while also protecting the rights of the addict. Your state may allow for the following:
- Emergency admission. In these cases, there is a crisis prompting you to take action. In these situations, you may need to verify under oath that you believe there is a high probability that the addict may harm themselves or others. You also may need to provide evidence that the person cannot make sound choices about what is best for them.
- Non-emergency admission. This type of involuntary admission to rehab is initiated by a caring friend or family member who has knowledge of the addict’s substance abuse. A petition gets filed with the court, which then orders an evaluation of the addict. If the person refuses the evaluation, the court can order a professional to escort the individual to a facility for treatment.
Does Forced Rehab Work
There is debate about the effectiveness of involuntary admission to rehab. Some data reveals that as many as one-third of those in treatment facilities are there to fulfill a court-ordered compulsory program. The Department of Health and Human Services found that those placed in treatment involuntarily do just as well, and some do better than those who were not forced into rehab.
Consider Myrtle Beach Recovery
If you or a loved one need to recover from drug or alcohol abuse, consider one of the rehab programs offered at Myrtle Beach Recovery. Our 12-Step Program helps residents work through the steps in a safe and supportive environment.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you on your journey to sobriety.
