Wednesday, February 1, 2012

How Does Involuntary Addiction Assessment Work?



While it would be nice to think that someone dealing with drug or alcohol addiction would seek treatment on their own, it doesn't always happen. Family members can seek forced alcohol rehab or drug addiction treatment for someone, but there are certain limitations to this provision by the law and it's good to understand how it works before it's even considered in a family.

What Addictions Are Addressed

Friends and family of addicts know that illegal narcotics and alcohol are not the only substances to which a person becomes addicted and can become a danger. A person may petition for involuntary addiction assessment for a friend or family member that abuses prescription medication including OxyContin, Xanax, Valium, Vicodin, and other such prescribed medication.

When Addictions Are Addressed

Someone who drinks too much or uses illegal narcotics may not qualify for involuntary addiction assessment simply because of these habits alone. While using narcotics is illegal, the courts do not intervene because of use alone. To qualify, they would need to have lost control over their substance abuse, not be able to make rational decisions regarding their care, have become a danger to themselves or others, and refuse to enter into treatment voluntarily.

How it Works

You would need to speak to an attorney that is knowledgeable about forced drug rehabilitation in order to seek a court order for your friend or family member. They will petition the court on your behalf, but it’s done in confidence—you’ll be able to remain anonymous if you choose. An assessment will be performed, and if the court orders it, the abuser would need to go through forced alcohol rehab or drug treatment in order to avoid sanctions from the court. Once treatment is over they would need to continue long-term treatment and tests.

Choosing forced drug rehabilitation or alcohol treatment for your friend or family member is not pleasant, but in many cases it means saving someone's life. The laws are there to protect people, as well as their families, so it's best to take advantage of them if you know someone with a serious abuse problem.

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