When someone you love has an addiction, it is painful to see them reject help. This is especially hard when they’re in denial.
As a family member or friend, it can feel like you’re stuck between wanting to help and respecting their autonomy. Addiction isn’t just a phase. It can seriously affect a person’s health, relationships, and future.
You know that getting help for a substance use disorder is crucial, but what do you do when they refuse treatment?
Rehab is often the best way to stop addiction. It provides the support and structure needed for recovery. That said, convincing someone to go, especially when they don’t think they need help, is one of the hardest challenges families face.
This brings us to a big question: “Can you force someone to go to rehab in New Jersey?”
The answer isn’t straightforward. Involuntary commitment laws involve legal and emotional factors, making this a complex issue.
Understanding the Basics of Rehab and Addiction Treatment
Rehab is a treatment program for those struggling with addiction. It helps people overcome addiction and take back control of their lives. Rehab typically involves several components aimed at addressing the physical and also emotional aspects of addiction.
The process usually begins with detoxification (detox). This helps the body remove the substance in a safe and supervised setting. Detox is an essential first step because it helps manage withdrawal symptoms for safety during the process.
After detox, therapy becomes the focus. Depending on the rehab program, this could include individual, group, or family therapy. Therapy helps individuals explore the causes of their addiction, learn coping strategies, and develop healthier ways of thinking and behaving.
There are different types of rehab programs available, depending on an individual’s needs:
- Inpatient – Inpatient rehab involves staying at a facility full-time, where clients receive 24/7 care and support. This type of treatment is ideal for those with severe addiction or those who need a controlled environment away from triggers.
- Outpatient – Outpatient rehab lets participants live at home while attending therapy sessions and other treatments. This option is typically for those with less severe addiction or those transitioning out of inpatient care.
- Dual diagnosis – Dual diagnosis treatment helps people who have both substance abuse and mental health problems, like depression or anxiety.
This integrated approach addresses both disorders simultaneously, improving the chances of long-term recovery.
Laws Around Forced Rehab in New Jersey
Under New Jersey law, there are legal avenues for forced rehab in certain situations.
New Jersey has a law called the Involuntary Commitment Act. This law allows for the forced commitment of people who are a danger to themselves or others because of substance abuse. This means that if a person’s addiction puts their health or others’ safety at risk, the law can require them to get treatment.
There are circumstances under which someone can be forced into rehab, such as:
- If someone is in crisis and threatens to hurt themselves or others, they may need help. This can happen when they are using drugs or alcohol. In such cases, they might be required to go to rehab.
- Court orders: Sometimes, a judge may require a person to go to rehab during a legal case. This often happens if the person has been arrested for drug-related crimes or is in a custody battle.
It’s important to note that involuntary commitment is not a decision made lightly. It needs proof that the person cannot make good decisions about their health. This is due to the effects of drugs or alcohol.
Even so, involuntary rehab is usually the last option. People tend to do better in treatment when they want to be there. While forced rehab is possible in New Jersey under specific conditions, it’s not the first option.
When it is necessary, it’s typically driven by legal or safety concerns and follows a formal process. It’s always better to encourage people to join willingly. This approach has the best chance of leading to lasting recovery.
The Role of Family and Intervention
When someone you love has an addiction, you want to help. However, getting them to accept treatment can feel like a never-ending fight.
One way families can encourage a loved one to seek help is through a formal intervention. An intervention is a planned meeting. Close family members, friends, or loved ones share their worries. They talk about how the person’s addiction affects their life.
The goal is to create a caring and direct space. Here, the person can understand how their behavior affects others. They’ll also be encouraged to enter rehab.
A professional interventionist plays a crucial role in guiding families through this process. These trained experts are experienced in managing emotions and setting the tone for a successful intervention. They help you plan your response, show you how to express concerns without sounding blameful and guide you through dealing with possible pushback.
Interventionists can suggest treatment centers. They also help the person start their recovery. This makes entering treatment easier.
Another important strategy families can use is tough love. This involves setting clear boundaries and consequences for destructive behaviors, such as refusing to provide financial support or enabling harmful habits.
The tough love approach may seem harsh at times. However, it can help a person realize how serious their situation is and encourage them to seek help.
Challenges and Risks of Forced Rehab in New Jersey
The idea of forced rehab may seem like a quick fix. However, there are many challenges and risks in getting someone treated against their will.
One of the major downsides is resistance to treatment. If someone feels forced into rehab, they might not feel motivated to participate. This can impact how successful the treatment is.
They may feel angry at those who pushed them into rehab. This can create emotional stress and may lead to relapse after treatment.
Without the personal willingness to change, rehab may not be effective. Voluntary participation is often more successful. This is because the person sees their need for help. They are motivated to face the challenges of recovery.
When people take part in their own recovery, they are more likely to accept the treatment. They also learn better ways to cope and commit to lasting change.
Moreover, underlying issues—such as unresolved trauma, co-occurring mental health disorders (like anxiety or depression), or family dynamics—can contribute significantly to addiction.
If these issues are not addressed during treatment, the individual may struggle with relapse even after completing rehab. A complete treatment plan is important for lasting recovery. It should include therapy for mental health, trauma, and addiction.
What to Do If You Can’t Force Someone Into Rehab
If you are in a situation where rehab cannot be forced, be patient and show empathy. While it can be frustrating to see someone you care about continue to struggle, there are still ways to support them in their journey.
Start by offering emotional support. Let them know you’re there for them without judgment and that you care about their well-being. This can show them they aren’t alone in their struggles.
You can also provide information about treatment options. Many people don’t seek help simply because they are unaware of the options available to them or feel overwhelmed by the process.
Share resources about rehab centers, therapy options, or support groups in a non-confrontational way. It may take time, but sharing this information gently can encourage someone to seek help later.
Being patient is crucial. Sometimes, people need time to come to terms with their addiction and recognize the need for treatment. It’s important to understand that the decision to go to rehab is ultimately theirs to make. If they’re not ready, pushing too hard may only push them away.
Find Help for a Loved One Today
Remember that recovery is a personal journey, and each person moves at their own pace. It’s important to seek professional advice throughout this process.
Professionals can give advice, help with interventions, and provide resources. This support makes recovery easier for the individual and their loved ones.
If you want to support a loved one with addiction or need help for yourself, New Jersey Behavioral Health is here for you. We offer a compassionate, professional environment where you can find the resources and support needed to navigate this challenging process.