If your child is struggling with addiction issues, it is difficult to know which direction to take. You may have engaged in discussions with your child about treatment but they have resisted your pleas. If your child is refusing medical treatment, they have still options to help your child receive the care they need and give them the chance to attain sobriety.
When your kid is under the age of 18 you may take your child to rehab on their own. Once you child is 18 or over however, it becomes even more challenging to commit someone into rehab. When they are legally an adult, you can’t make them go to treatment without the following elements in place:
It is necessary to establish that the person has an addiction to alcohol or drugs>
The evidence must also prove that the person has threatened, attempted to, or inflicted harm to themselves or others
The dependence has grown so extreme that they are incapable of providing basic necessities for themselves (such as food, shelter as well as clothing) and there isn’t another adult willing to provide these needs.
With these factors set, you’re legally able to obtain medical emergency or a court-ordered rehab. Each state has different requirements, but it is essential to seek legal advice before you attempt these options.
What States can you use to get People to go to Rehab?
Currently, there are 37 states, including California in which the compulsion of someone to go to undergo rehab if they meet a particular set of conditions. These requirements fall in line with the same requirements of the court-ordered rehabilitation previously mentioned.
Based on the state depending on the state, an individual can be held for anywhere between the duration of 48 hours to 15 days prior to a hearing scheduled. In several states, an involuntary commitment of 2 weeks is instated and if the person is deemed able to care for themselves without the facility, they are released to treatment outside of the facility. Failure to follow through with outpatient care could lead to them being re-enrolled in the inpatient program.
How do I get someone to Go to Rehab
There are numerous options when it comes to getting your child into rehab. Even if a person isn’t ready to accept help initially, there are ways that can increase their acceptance of treatments. You may choose to go through rehabilitation options that are forced or an intervention that provides them with the opportunity to seek help on their own. Rehab is more effective when an individual is willing to accept help and take active steps to achieve sobriety. No matter what method you chooseto pursue, getting your child into an environment that allows them to evaluate their situation free of the influence of drugs or alcohol is an essential aspect of the process of recovery.
Court-Ordered Drug Rehab
A court-ordered rehabilitation isn’t the most convenient option however it is an alternative. This is a difficult process for various reasons. Your child might feel betrayed or frustrated with you for letting them go, which is not a choice. It is also important to seek legal advice prior to proceeding with this in order to ensure that a court-ordered rehabilitation program is completed. There are different requirements for rehabs from state-to-state, which makes it imperative that you seek advice before beginning.
In most instances it is a form that will be filled out to indicate the need for rehab
This is then submitted to the judge for review
A hearing will be set after which you have to make a case
The child may also get an opportunity to defend their case
After a decision has been made the child will be placed in custody to be treated
Emergency Hospitalization
Emergency hospitalization may be an option for your child if he or she is in need of emergency treatment in the wake of drug abuse. Emergency-ordered rehab is generally issued when a person experiences mental and/or physical health problems because of substance abuse. Treatment can begin immediately through the hospitalization, before transitioning to an addiction treatment center.
Upon entering the hospital, you child’s admission will be assessed by mental health and addiction experts to evaluate their situation. Alongside receiving treatment, they will be detained for screenings, and they may be evaluated by an officer of the police in addition.
Much like court-ordered rehab you’ll have complete a formal form for the judge to explain the reasons your child is in need of treatment
An hearing will be held to evaluate the situation and decide on the best course of action
Intervention
Interventions are also an option when the options listed above are too much to handle. The benefit of having intervention over other options is that it allows for the conversation to take place with your child. It gives them the chance to seek assistance instead of being pressured into it.
It is possible to conduct an intervention yourself, but consulting with an interventionist will facilitate the process. If you talk about your situation to an expert, suggestions are made regarding who to mention the intervention, what to say, and the place to hold the meeting. After that, you’ll be able to prepare by practicing ahead of time and preparing for any negative outcome that could occur.
Usually, when an intervention occurs, an ultimatum must be issued. This is usually a rule that if treatment is denied, consequences occur. This could include not paying for financial support, or no having them live with you, or other ways of removing support that may enable continued usage. While it may be difficult, it is crucial to help your child realize the need for assistance.
What’s the most effective course of Intervention if your child refuses Rehab?
If your child refuses rehab and you have the opportunity to force them to seek treatment it is recommended to pursue that option. In many instances addiction, people may refuse help several times before accepting the treatment (if any at all) and it is not unusual to experience this. Even if your child feels an anger or sense of guilt, getting treatment for addiction is essential.
There are many concerns that forcing someone to go through rehab could result in it becoming less effective, however this is not the reality. Indeed, forced rehab can be an effective motivator to help someone realize the need for treatment. It can serve as a wake-up-call and help invoke the change you want to see.
It is possible that rehabilitation, regardless of whether it is voluntary or not, may not succeed and this is largely dependent on the individual. In helping someone achieve clarity of mind free from the negative effects of mind and mood-altering substances could help them recognize the necessity to seek treatment. Even if forced therapy is not successful, it puts them in a situation where they must consider the options available and evaluate their situation, which is the first and most important step.