Can You Force Someone Into Rehab? Watching a loved one suffer and struggle with a substance use disorder is painful, especially if you’ve tried everything to help them. After researching and trying all these options, you may be looking at involuntary drug or alcohol rehab as a last resort. There’s a lot to consider, but it’s best to fully understand the protocol and all the resources at your disposal before you make a decision. Here’s what you need to know if you want to force someone into rehab against their will. How to Commit Someone to Rehab InvoluntarilyLaws for involuntary commitment for addiction treatment differ by state. In Florida, there are two acts enabling law enforcement to detain individuals that may be a risk to themselves or others because of mental health or substance abuse issues. There are important differences between the two. Florida Marchman ActIf a person is unstable or dangerous to themselves or others, Florida Statutes § 397.305, also known as the Hal S. Marchman Alcohol and Other Drug Services Act, allows for a person to be voluntarily or involuntarily assessed and committed for substance abuse. Following an assessment, an individual may be court-ordered to enter a substance abuse treatment facility. Relatives and mental health practitioners can file a petition for an assessment. There is also a provision that any three adults with knowledge of the person’s substance abuse can file. If the assessment is for a minor, the only people who can file a petition are parents, legal guardians, and a licensed service provider. If you are one of these people for someone struggling with addiction, you can file a claim through this process:
Baker Act vs. Marchman ActThe Marchman Act isn’t the only means for rehabilitating a loved one. While the Marchman Act strictly applies to substance abuse, the Baker Act applies to mental health crises. Per Florida Statutes § 394.453, a person may be voluntarily or involuntarily assessed and rehabilitated for mental health issues. The Baker Act also stipulates that the person in question may be a threat to themselves or others without treatment. There are a few other reasons a person may be subject to the Baker Act, however. These include:
The process for filing a petition for assessment and rehabilitation is slightly different in the Baker Act. The process for involuntarily committing a loved one is as follows:
There are other ways a person can be involuntarily committed, including through the recommendation of a mental health professional or emergency medical practitioner. Do Other States Have an Equivalent to Florida’s Baker Act?In the United States, most other states have an equivalent to the Baker’s Act, though the terms and process vary wildly between them. This process is also referred to as Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT), and currently, 47 states have procedures for it. If you are not a Florida resident and are looking for ways to help a loved one with mental health or substance abuse issues, and they will not receive help voluntarily, look into the requirements for AOT in your state. You can find a state-by-state breakdown of involuntary commitment laws here. How to Convince a Loved One to Get HelpCommitting a loved one against their will can be a life-saving last resort. However, as a family member or friend, you should make sure they are offered the opportunity to change on their own first if they are capable. The following suggestions could help encourage your loved one to seek treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Consequences, Ultimatums, and InterventionsOne of the most important steps in convincing someone with addiction or mental health problems to receive help is to make sure you’re not enabling their self-harming behaviors. First, allow your loved one to experience the consequences of their actions. Of course, if they are putting themselves or someone else in harm’s way, it’s time to seek emergency help. However, it’s important that you don’t make all of their problems go away. This could include:
Instead, offer them exchanges. For example, don’t give them money to pay the bills, but you can offer them a place to stay while they get help. Don’t give them money, but offer to pay for their treatment if that’s what you’re willing and able to do. Ultimatums are a useful tool to help set boundaries with people who are becoming a danger to themselves and others. It also protects you from having any part in their self-destructive behavior, even by accident. Here are some examples of ultimatums:
Finally, host an intervention in which you can lay down these ultimatums and lovingly express your concern for your loved one. An intervention should, above all, be a safe, un-blaming, love-filled gathering with people who want to help. Plan what you want to say thoroughly, use a mediator if necessary, and make sure that you do not make yourself a victim by casting blame. Pose your concerns, say how their behavior affects you, offer ultimatums, and ultimately, convince them to get help. There are many ways to help a loved one battling addiction or mental health issues, but laying down boundaries to protect yourself, your family, and your loved one is essential. How do you check someone into rehab?When you’re helping someone to check themselves into rehab voluntarily, you want to research things like rehab centers, payment, and the type of treatment your loved one can and should receive. All of these things will help you make an educated decision. Finding an addiction treatment center: things to consider As with any institution that provides a service, you’ll want to thoroughly research the center you’re considering. Here are some things you might want to pay attention to:
If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about the treatment programs offered at any All In Solutions treatment centers, don’t hesitate to reach out to our admissions team. Our treatment advocates have years of experience in helping family members get their loved ones into rehab and can help you explore all the options available to you. Can You Force Someone Into Rehab?-All In Solutions-All In Solutions - A Solutions Based Behavioral Healthcare Group via All In Solutions https://ift.tt/Wxv2XNz
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AuthorAll In Solutions Counseling Center is a drug and alcohol addiction treatment center located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. JCAHO accredited, All In Solutions has maintained the highest standard of care for more than a decade. Our individualized inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment programs offer holistic, evidence-based, faith-based, and even medication-assisted treatment therapies. The experienced staff at our alcohol and drug rehab provide quality care that addresses the mental health that underlies addiction. Our treatment center provides a family environment where we truly care about clients and they care about one another. The quality addiction treatment that we provide is covered by most private health insurance providers Archives
February 2023
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