If your child is struggling with addiction, it is hard to know where to turn. You might have had conversations with your child about treatment but they have resisted your requests for help. If your child refuses medical treatment, they have still options available to help your child get the treatment they require and give them an opportunity to get sober.
When your kid is less than 18 years old, you can take your child to rehab on their own. If your child is at least 18 years old, however, it becomes much more difficult. When they are legally an adult, you cannot force them to go into treatment without having these factors being in place:
It is necessary to establish that the individual has an addiction to drugs or alcohol>
There must also be proof that the person has threatened, attempted or inflicted harm on them or anyone else.
The addiction has become so extreme that they are in a position to not be able to provide the essential needs for them (such as shelter, food and clothing) and there is not any other adult willing to take care of them.
If you have these conditions in place, you’re legally able to obtain court-ordered hospitalization or rehab. Each state has different qualifications, however, so it is important to get legal counsel before attempting these routes.
What states can you force to get someone into Rehab?
Currently, there are 37 states, including California which allow you to force someone into rehab , provided that they satisfy a set of requirements. These requirements align with the same requirements as an ordered rehab by a court above.
Based on the state, a person can be detained for anywhere from one day to a period of up to fifteen days before a hearing is scheduled for. In many states, an involuntary commitment of two weeks ‘ time is set and, if the person is deemed to be capable of caring for themselves in a non-hospital facility, they are released to outpatient treatment. Failure to follow through with outpatient treatment can result in the person being placed back in an inpatient rehabilitation program.
How to Get Someone to Go to Rehab
There are a myriad of options when considering how to get your child to rehab. If your child is not willing to accept assistance initially there are options to improve their receptiveness to treatment options. You may choose to go through rehabilitation options that are forced or an intervention to provide individuals with the chance to seek help on their own. Rehabilitation is more effective once a person is able to receive help and takes active steps to reach sobriety. Whatever method you chooseto pursue, getting your child into the position where they are able to evaluate their situation free of the influence of drugs or alcohol is an important aspect of the process of recovery.
Court-Ordered Drug Rehab
A court-ordered rehab isn’t the most straightforward option to pursue but it’s an option. It can be difficult due to several reasons. Your child might feel abandoned or angry with you for letting them go, which will be unavoidable. Also, you should consult with a lawyer prior to pursuing this route to ensure that court-ordered rehabilitation is carried out. State-specific requirements differ from state to state, that is why it is important to get advice prior to starting.
In the majority of cases the form will be completed to document the need for rehabilitation
This will then be submitted to the judge for review
A hearing will be set, and you must then make a case
The child may also get the chance to argue their case
If a decision is taken, your child will then be placed in custody to begin treatment
Emergency Hospitalization
Emergency hospitalization may be an option if your child is in need of emergency treatment because of addiction to drugs. In general, emergency-ordered rehab is issued when a person experiences mental or physical health issues because of substance abuse. Treatment may begin as soon as the hospitalization process before moving into the treatment facility.
When you visit the hospital, you child’s admission will be assessed by addiction and mental health specialists to determine their health. Alongside receiving treatment, they’ll be taken into custody to undergo screenings . They may also be evaluated by a police officer in addition.
Much like the court-ordered treatment you’ll have to submit a form to the judge to explain the reasons your child is in need of treatment
A hearing will take place to analyze the situation and decide on the best way to proceed.
Intervention
Interventions are also an option if the options listed above are too much to manage. The advantage of an intervention over the alternatives is that it opens the door for the discussion to occur with your child. It also gives them the opportunity to accept help instead of being in a position to be.
You are able to hold an intervention on your own, but consulting an interventionist will make the process more manageable. When you discuss your situation with an expert, suggestions can be provided for the type of person to include the intervention, what to say, and the location to hold the event. From there, you can practice prior to the time and planning for any possible negative outcomes.
Most often, with an intervention, an ultimatum must be issued. This usually falls under the idea that if treatment rejected, consequences will occur. This could include not providing financial support, no being able to allow them to reside with you, or another means of cutting off assistance that could allow for continued usage. Although it can be difficult, it’s crucial in helping your child realize the need to help.
What’s the Best Course of Steps to Take if your child is Refusing Rehab?
If your child does not want to go to rehabilitation and you are given the opportunity to force the treatment process It is advised to proceed with that option. In many cases addiction, people will repeatedly refuse treatment before accepting the treatment (if any at all) and it’s not unusual to experience this. Even if your child is feeling anger or feels a sense of being betrayed, seeking treatment for addiction is crucial.
There are many who worry about the idea that when you commit someone into rehab it could result in it becoming more ineffective, but this isn’t the reality. Actually, forced rehabilitation can be an effective way of motivating in helping someone recognize the need for treatment. It may serve as a wake-up call and trigger the change you desire.
It is likely that treatment, whether it is voluntary or not, will fail, and this will depend on the person. In helping someone achieve clarity of mind free from the effects of mind-altering and mood altering drugs can aid them in recognizing the need for treatment. Even if forced therapy does not work, it puts them in a situation that requires them to look at their options and analyze their situation. This is a vital first step.