Does Court Ordered Addiction Rehab Work?

There are no guarantees, but often court ordered drug treatment works when all other options fail. That's because a person sent to treatment under the Florida Marchman Act faces the possibility of incarceration if he or she leaves treatment early or does not go to treatment. For some people, the threat of jail is the only thing that gets them to go to rehab.

Can I Get Help Filing a Marchman Act Petition?

You are advised to work with an attorney experienced in Marchman Act cases if at all possible. Not only can such an attorney streamline the process, potentially getting help for your loved one more quickly, an attorney knows what kinds of mistakes individuals tend to make when filing a petition and how to avoid those mistakes.

What if My Loved One Doesn't Complete Court Ordered Addiction Rehab?

If your loved one goes to rehab but leaves before the 60-day program is over, he or she can be arrested and taken to jail or back to rehab. Under the Marchman Act, he or she cannot simply leave treatment and go home. The fact that the Marchman Act imposes serious consequences makes it more likely to work with addicts who are resistant to going into treatment.

I Am Not a Relative. Can I get Addiction Help for My Friend?

Non-relatives may invoke the Marchman Act. Any three people with firsthand knowledge of a person's substance abuse may together file a Marchman Act petition. It is not uncommon for those with severe addictions to have no known family, and that is why the Act makes provisions for non-relatives to make a petition on behalf of a loved one.

What if No Beds Are Available in My County?

If an addict does not have insurance or the money for a private treatment program, the Marchman Act process can be delayed. Government-funded programs often have waiting lists. An attorney with Marchman Act experience can enforce compliance by the addict to the rules of the government-run program while he or she awaits an available bed. Unfortunately, any delay in treatment can adversely affect the chances for success.