Family members, friends, and loved ones of individuals who struggle with addiction may sometimes wonder if they can legally and ethically force someone into rehab or clinical care. At Hired Power, we strongly believe in involving the individual in every step of their recovery process. When possible, we begin our services by meeting with the individual and their family to create or review the recovery plan and ensure unity moving forward.
Although it is always better for someone to voluntarily commit themselves to treatment and recovery, the National Alliance for Model State Drug Laws (NAMSDL) explains that you can force someone into rehab in 37 states. Forced rehab is complex, as each case is unique and should be approached with caution and professional guidance. The experts at Hired Power can work with you, your family members, and your addicted loved one to help create an effective recovery plan that can eliminate the need for involuntary commitment.
How Can Someone be Forced into Rehab?
Individuals suffering from alcohol addiction, substance use disorder, or both may be forced into rehab if strict guidelines are met. While laws vary in each state, there are 37 states that allow forced rehab when a comprehensive set of standards prove an individual is suffering from a disorder such as a drug or alcohol addiction. The criteria for establishing that forced treatment is necessary is very thorough, helping ensure that the situation truly calls for involuntary rehab. Forced rehab can become more challenging to pursue once an individual turns 18.
For an individual in a qualifying state to be involuntarily placed in treatment, a loved one must prove that they are addicted to drugs or alcohol. Proof of addiction requires evidence that an individual:
- Has attempted or threatened to harm themselves or others
- Will hurt someone if they are not forced into rehab
- Cannot care for themselves due to drug or alcohol use and there are no adults able to provide basic needs for the individual
Does Forced Rehab Work?
There is little research on whether or not forced rehab works and how it compares to individuals who choose to enter treatment. While forced treatment may sound like a good solution to a dire situation, its effectiveness is questionable. Treatment can be less effective when someone does not have the desire to get help, which is why Hired Power works alongside each individual’s loved ones to help guide struggling individuals in making the choice to begin recovery. We get to know each person, their families, and their needs to ensure everyone is involved in the process of creating an effective recovery plan.
Although forced rehab may be necessary for specific scenarios, it is important to consider the long-term effects before pursuing this option. There are alternatives you can try before forcing someone into rehab, such as a professionally guided intervention and ongoing recovery care with Hired Power.
How to Get Someone into Rehab
You may be able to help a loved one voluntarily choose rehab by planning an intervention. An intervention is a way to help someone with an addiction or mental health condition choose recovery and start the healing process with the support of friends and loved ones.
The purpose of an intervention is to lovingly support and encourage an individual to accept help. It can also provide an opportunity for the family, friends, and struggling loved one to create the necessary changes in their lives for recovery and fulfillment. This compassionate, supportive approach of helping someone choose treatment and recovery is better than forcing them to go to rehab.
How Hired Power Interventions Help
Working with a certified intervention specialist from Hired Power can make the process less overwhelming and more focused on supporting you and your loved one. Our experts act as a guide in creating a well-planned and rehearsed intervention that helps you and others involved act, communicate, and support one another in healthier ways. We involve everyone in the process — including the struggling individual — to help create a plan that meets each person’s unique needs and prevents the loved one struggling with addiction from feeling forced into the recovery journey. While it is important to remain firm in the recovery plan and set boundaries, we understand how to create compassionate, individualized paths that support those who would otherwise choose to avoid treatment.
While a professionally guided intervention does not always lead to voluntary rehab, your intervention specialist can help you navigate how to stay supportive and implement boundaries so you do not enable your loved one. They can help you reframe your strategy and determine a better approach to lead your loved one toward voluntary healing. If your loved one does choose recovery, your interventionist can help prepare and organize an immediate Safe Passage, a secured transportation plan accompanied by professionals to an appropriate treatment center in your area.
Choose Intervention and Recovery Services at Hired Power
Hired Power is an addiction and mental health recovery service that provides a professional and compassionate approach to recovery. We are industry leaders with more than 20 years of experience in various intervention techniques and recovery services.
From your first phone call with one of our intervention specialists, Hired Power takes the weight off your shoulders and meets your needs. We can plan and implement an intervention, find the best recovery facility in your area, arrange transportation to and from treatment, and provide unwavering aftercare support.
Our goal is to provide an alternative to forced rehab with well-coordinated and professionally led interventions. Hired Power is a consistent support system throughout the intervention, treatment, and at-home recovery. We offer critical services like safe passage, sober companions, monitoring programs, and custom coaching to help bring recovery home. Contact us to speak with an intervention specialist and learn more about how to help your loved one choose recovery.