Watching someone you love succumb to addiction is one of the most heartbreaking things that you can experience. Drug and alcohol addiction can wreak havoc on a person’s life, leading to all manner of issues, including health deterioration, problems with maintaining relationships, and neglecting to take care of themselves.
If someone that you care about has been struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, getting them to enter drug and alcohol rehab can be incredibly difficult. In this article, we’re going to talk about whether you can force someone into rehab in the UK, and what steps you can take to encourage a loved one to seek addiction treatment.
Can you make someone go to rehab against their will in the UK under involuntary commitment laws?
From a legal standpoint, you cannot force someone who is over the age of 18 into a rehab programme. Certainly, if your child is under 18, as their legal guardian, you can make the decision for them, however, there are more appropriate ways to make it happen (which we will cover shortly). As for adults over 18, the decision is theirs and theirs alone, and as such, there is no way to get them into drug rehab against their will unless involuntary commitment laws are applied.
The real question should be not whether you can force someone into rehab against their will, but whether you should.
In order for alcohol rehab and/or drug addiction treatment to work, the most critical aspect is the friend or family member and their willingness to take part. Successful recovery can only truly take place when someone wants to be helped, not when it is being forced upon them. However, in some cases, involuntary treatment and the involuntary treatment act may be considered as last-ditch efforts to ensure the individual’s well-being and recovery.
When dealing with drug or alcohol addiction, the legal framework often emphasizes the importance of willingness in treatment. Involuntary commitment laws in certain states can be a crucial support mechanism for individuals who are unable to seek help voluntarily.
Understanding Involuntary Commitment
Involuntary commitment, also known as civil commitment, is a legal process that allows a person to be forced into substance abuse treatment against their will. This measure is typically reserved for situations where an individual’s substance use disorder poses a significant risk to themselves or others. The primary goal of involuntary commitment laws is to provide necessary treatment and support to individuals who are unable or unwilling to seek help on their own.
In the United States, involuntary commitment laws are in place in 37 states and the District of Columbia. These laws permit forced treatment if a person is deemed a danger to themselves or others due to their substance use disorder. Similarly, in the UK, involuntary commitment laws exist but are generally applied only in extreme cases. The overarching aim is to ensure the safety and well-being of the individual and those around them by providing essential substance abuse treatment.
The Process of Involuntary Commitment in the UK
In the UK, the process of involuntary commitment is governed by the Mental Health Act 1983. This legislation allows for individuals to be detained and treated against their will if they pose a risk to themselves or others due to a mental health disorder, including substance use disorder.
The process typically begins with an emergency substance abuse evaluation conducted by a mental health professional. If the evaluation determines that the individual is a risk to themselves or others, they may be detained and taken to a treatment facility. It’s important to note that the individual has the right to appeal the decision and seek legal representation. This ensures that their rights are protected while also addressing the urgent need for substance abuse treatment.
Laws and Regulations Surrounding Involuntary Commitment
Involuntary commitment laws and regulations vary widely by jurisdiction. In the United States, each state has its own set of laws governing involuntary commitment. For instance, states like California have specific laws that allow for involuntary commitment for substance use disorder, while other states may have more general laws that apply to mental health disorders.
In the UK, the Mental Health Act 1983 governs the process of involuntary commitment. The Mental Health Tribunal oversees this process, reviewing each case to determine whether the individual should be detained and treated against their will. This tribunal ensures that the decision to commit someone involuntarily is made fairly and with due consideration of all relevant factors, including the severity of the substance use disorder and the potential risks involved.
Why your loved one with substance use disorder doesn't want help
One of the main reasons why family members or friends suffering from drug abuse don’t want your help is because they haven’t yet come to terms with the fact that they have a problem. Before you can successfully convince someone into drug and alcohol treatment centres, first they need to recognise and accept their addiction. This can be difficult to do. However, if you educate yourself on the matter, gather as much information as possible, and then broach the subject with them carefully, you may be able to have an honest and constructive conversation about it.
Other reasons why a person might be refusing any help include:
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Embarrassment
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Not wanting to be a burden on their family members
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Mental health disorders (depression and feelings of hopelessness)
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What do you do when someone won't go to rehab?
So, what do you do if someone you love won’t go to rehab? The important thing is not to panic. Just because they are unwilling now doesn’t mean that they are a lost cause. There are a number of steps that you can take to nudge a loved one into private addiction treatment.
An emergency substance abuse evaluation can be conducted by medical professionals or addiction specialists to determine if involuntary treatment is necessary.
The key is to make them feel like entering a treatment centre is their idea. In order for the most successful recovery to take place, the participant must be willing. Here are some tips on how to safely and successfully convince someone to go to rehab…
How to Convince Someone to go to Rehab
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Timing is everything: pick the ideal time to broach the subject. If they have clearly spent the previous night drinking or taking drugs and are still dealing with the aftereffects, it is better to wait.
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Educate yourself: before you do anything, educate yourself about addiction, including drug or alcohol addiction. There is plenty of information available to you, so do some research and learn more about the nature of the disease.
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Leave judgement at the door: Many addicts have underlying mental health issues that have led them to where they are. It is important that you leave judgment at the door and let love and compassion lead the way instead.
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Speak with addiction counsellors: you may be able to receive a free callback service with a professional and discuss the best way to approach the subject with a loved one.
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Have an open and honest conversation: Be calm, kind, and, above all, honest. Speak from a place of love and conduct the conversation in as supportive a manner as possible. Ask questions and listen attentively. This is a great opportunity to see how they are feeling and whether they are aware of the fact that they have a problem.
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Conduct an intervention: if you are scared to broach the subject alone and without support, an intervention could be a decent alternative. You can either do this with friends and family, or with the professional assistance of an interventionist.
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Provide information about the various outpatient and residential treatment options
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Suggest exploring and attending family and support group meetings together.
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Talk to them about how professional treatment and detoxification are safe: Some people are frightened by the prospect of going cold turkey, but with the proper medical supervision, they will be safe. Drug treatment is a safe and effective option for addressing addiction.
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Set clear boundaries
How to Stage an Intervention for an Emergency Substance Abuse Evaluation
Staging an intervention can be a good last resort for getting a loved one to agree to going to rehab and seeking addiction treatment. You can do this by yourself, but the recommended approach would be to work with a professional interventionist, for the best results.
An interventionist is someone who is highly trained and has the necessary skills to make an intervention successful. They will meet with their family and friends beforehand in order to prepare them for what will happen.
Following that, the addicted individual will be approached by everyone that they love, with the desired outcome of them agreeing to receive help and enter rehab. This is crucial for addressing substance use disorder effectively.
If successful, the interventionist will be able to take the individual to a rehab facility immediately, ensuring that there is no opportunity for the person to change their mind and back out. This immediate step is vital for beginning substance abuse treatment without delay.
Alternatives to Involuntary Commitment
While involuntary commitment may be necessary in some cases, it is not always the most effective or desirable solution. There are several alternatives that can be considered:
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Voluntary Treatment: Encouraging the individual to seek treatment on their own can be an effective way to address substance use disorder. Providing information and support can help them understand the benefits of seeking help voluntarily.
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Intervention: Staging an intervention can create a safe and supportive environment for the individual to acknowledge their problem and agree to seek help. This approach can be particularly effective when conducted with the assistance of a professional interventionist.
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Seeking Addiction Treatment: Offering resources and information about addiction treatment options can help the individual see the value in seeking professional help. This includes explaining the different types of treatment available, such as outpatient and residential programs.
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Addressing Mental Health Disorders: Many individuals with substance use disorders also struggle with underlying mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. Addressing these mental health disorders can alleviate some of the symptoms of substance use disorder and make the individual more receptive to treatment.
It’s essential to approach each situation with empathy and understanding, working collaboratively with the individual to find the best solution for their specific needs. By exploring these alternatives, you can provide support and encouragement without resorting to involuntary commitment.
