When someone you love is struggling with severe addiction, you might wonder if there’s a way to get them help even if they refuse treatment. The question “Can you force someone into rehab?” comes up frequently for families watching their loved ones spiral into dangerous addiction. While the answer is complex and varies by state, understanding your options can help you make informed decisions about how to help.
Legal Grounds for Involuntary Commitment to Rehab
Involuntary commitment for substance abuse treatment is possible in certain circumstances, but the legal standards are quite strict. Most states require clear evidence that the person poses an immediate danger to themselves or others due to their addiction or that they’re unable to care for their basic needs because of substance use.
The legal process typically involves filing a petition with the court that provides evidence of the person’s condition. Family members or health care providers may need to attend a hearing where a judge determines whether involuntary commitment is justified.
Involuntary commitment for addiction is much less common than for severe mental health crises. Courts generally prefer voluntary treatment when possible, and many states set high bars for proving someone meets the criteria for forced treatment.
Differences Between States and Types of Court-Ordered Treatment
Each state has different laws and processes for how to have someone committed. Some states use civil commitment processes similar to those used for mental health emergencies, while others have developed specialized substance abuse commitment procedures. Court-ordered treatment can also result from criminal charges, where judges require a convicted person to undergo treatment as an alternative to incarceration or as part of probation requirements.
Ricky’s Law in Washington State allows family members to seek involuntary commitment for loved ones with severe substance use disorders. Named after a young man who died from an overdose, this law permits parents, spouses and other family members to petition the court for up to 17 days of involuntary treatment when someone is at risk of serious harm.
When Families Can Intervene Without Consent
Beyond going to court, families have other options for intervening when someone refuses treatment. Professional interventions, while not legally binding, can sometimes motivate someone to accept help voluntarily.
Many families find success in setting firm boundaries and consequences related to their loved one’s addiction. This might include refusing to provide money, housing or other support unless the person agrees to enter treatment. While this isn’t “forcing” someone into rehab, it can create circumstances that make treatment feel more appealing than continuing to use substances.
Pros and Cons of Involuntary Rehab
Involuntary commitment to treatment comes with significant advantages and disadvantages families should carefully consider.
The advantages include keeping someone safe when their addiction could kill them and stopping their dangerous drug or alcohol use right away. Sometimes, once people enter treatment, they start to realize they really do need help. Some people later thank their families for making this hard choice when they couldn’t think clearly because of their addiction.
It can be tough to persuade someone to go to rehab voluntarily. For example, 96% of people with alcohol use problems think they can handle their drinking on their own without treatment. Families sometimes feel they have no choice but to seek legal help when their loved one refuses to get treatment voluntarily.
The downside of involuntary rehab is that people who choose treatment on their own usually have better outcomes than people who are forced into it. Making someone go to treatment against their will can also hurt family relationships and lead to resentment. In addition, the legal process costs a lot of money, takes a long time and is stressful for families. Even when judges say yes to forced treatment, many treatment centers don’t want to take patients who don’t want to be there.
What Happens Once Someone Enters Rehab Involuntarily
When someone is forced into treatment, the first thing the staff does is ensure they’re safe. This might include a health checkup and getting the person the medical care they need to manage withdrawal effects while detoxing.
During the rest of the individual’s time in treatment, staff members try to get the person involved in activities while still respecting their rights and avoiding pushing too hard. Many people who are forced into treatment do start participating once they’re in a safe place and the drugs or alcohol are out of their system. However, for treatment to really work, the person usually has to decide they want to get better.
When the court-ordered time is up, the person can leave if they want to, but they can also decide to stay on their own. This is a really important decision, so treatment programs work hard to help people see how staying in treatment could help them.
Encouraging Voluntary Engagement in Treatment
No matter how someone gets into treatment, the main goal is to help them want to get better on their own. Treatment programs use different methods to help people choose to participate, even when they don’t want to be there at first.
Building connections with staff and other patients helps people feel understood instead of judged. Many people find that being around others who really understand addiction gives them a feeling of belonging they’ve never had before.
Working on deeper problems, such as trauma, depression or physical pain, helps people understand why they started using substances in the first place. People are more likely to want to participate when treatment helps address the real reasons behind addiction.
Getting families involved through education and counseling can help fix relationships addiction has damaged. When families learn how to support recovery without making it easier to keep using substances, it often makes the person want to stay in treatment longer.
Respecting people’s choices during treatment helps them feel like their opinions matter, even when they’re required to be there. This approach usually works better than using punishment or trying to control everything they do.
Can You Force Someone Into Rehab — and Should You?
While forcing someone into rehab is sometimes necessary to save their life, the most effective treatment happens when people choose recovery for themselves. If you’re considering legal intervention for a loved one’s addiction or wondering about your own treatment options, the National Rehab Hotline can help you understand voluntary and involuntary treatment options in your state. Our team knows the legal requirements for involuntary commitment in different areas and can connect you with appropriate resources if you’re trying to help a loved one. We can also help you explore intervention options and find treatment programs that specialize in working with reluctant patients.
Reach Out
Support and guidance are available 24-7 to help you navigate these difficult decisions, so please pick up the phone and contact NRH today.