Addiction is a devastatingly common disease in America. In 2018, 21.2 million Americans aged 12 or older needed substance abuse treatment. This means nearly 1 in 13 people in this age group needed to attend addiction rehab.[1] While there is a substantial need for addiction treatment in the United States, only about 10% of individuals with a substance use disorder receive professional treatment.[2]
If your loved one is struggling with addiction, you have probably pleaded with them to attend a drug and alcohol rehab program. Watching your loved one struggle with a substance use disorder and continually refuse professional help can be difficult. Experiencing this may lead you to wonder if you can force your loved one to go to rehab. Fortunately, it is possible to force your loved one to go to rehab in New Jersey.
How Does New Jersey’s Involuntary Commitment Law Work?
New Jersey has involuntary commitment laws that make it possible for you to force your loved one to go to rehab. However, there is a formal legal process that must be completed before an involuntary commitment is possible.
If you are trying to force your loved one to attend addiction treatment in New Jersey, the first step is obtaining proof that they have a problem with drugs or alcohol. If your loved one attends therapy, you could request a referral detailing their need for involuntary commitment to an addiction treatment program. Another way to obtain proof is through past addiction treatment records.
After you have provided proof of your loved one’s substance abuse issues, you may be asked to show that the individual is a danger to themselves or others. The courts might also want to see that your loved one’s addiction has caused them to be unable to provide for their own basic needs or have difficulty making sound decisions for themselves.
Once all of this information is presented to a judge, they will decide whether or not to go through with an involuntary commitment. If the judge decides this is necessary, your loved one will have to submit to a mental health evaluation within 48 hours.
Depending on the results of their assessment, the judge can mandate inpatient or outpatient treatment.
Am I Responsible for Court and Rehab Fees if I Force My Loved One to Go to Rehab in New Jersey?
While other states require you and your loved one to cover the costs of treatment, New Jersey does things a little differently. If your loved one is involuntarily committed to an addiction treatment program, the state typically covers 90% of the costs. You and your loved one will be responsible for only 10% of the cost of their treatment program.
However, this might depend on your loved one’s financial status. If the county determines that your loved one can afford the cost of treatment, they may be required to cover more than 10%. Thankfully, no matter how much your family is asked to pay, this can be covered by health insurance.
In addition to the portion of treatment you are expected to pay, you will have to cover the cost of petition filing fees, court hearing fees, and other related charges.
Does Forced Rehab Work?
Addiction recovery looks different for everyone. Some people believe that individuals must hit rock bottom for addiction treatment to be successful, however, this belief can be extremely harmful. The truth is, addiction treatment works once an individual realizes that they have a problem with drugs or alcohol.
People can come to this realization before attending rehab, during the intake process, or halfway through their rehab program. In other words, there is no telling when your loved one will be ready to accept treatment and commit to doing the work.
If you are worrying whether forcing your loved one to attend rehab will work, there will never be a sure answer. However, the chances of them recovering increase substantially when they enter treatment – voluntarily or involuntarily. Once your loved one is in an addiction treatment facility, expert addiction specialists can help them realize that they need help.
Signs It’s Time to Consider Involuntary Commitment for an Addicted Loved One
Oftentimes, it can be difficult to decipher when it’s time to involuntarily commit your loved one to an addiction treatment program. According to New Jersey law, an individual must present a danger to themselves or others, be incapacitated by their substance abuse, and be unable to make healthy decisions for themselves.
If you are wondering how to tell if your loved one meets the criteria for an involuntary commitment in New Jersey, these are a few signs to look for:
- Your loved one has begun to lose important basic needs due to their substance abuse (jobs, houses, money for food)
- Your loved one is presenting life-threatening behaviors such as frequent drug overdoses or motor vehicle accidents while under the influence
- Their mental health has declined as a result of their drug abuse, leading to severe symptoms such as suicidal thoughts or psychosis
- Your loved one is unable to take care of themselves or complete basic daily responsibilities due to their substance abuse
In situations such as these, trying to force your loved one to go to rehab may be your best option.
Find Help for an Addicted Loved One
If your loved one is struggling with the disease of addiction, it’s time to seek professional help. Whether they are willing to attend treatment or are being involuntarily committed, Moving Mountains Recovery is here to help. Located in Randolph, New Jersey on a beautiful campus, we can provide your loved one with the individualized care they need to get sober and stay sober.
With a combination of highly experienced staff, evidence-based addiction treatment modalities, and holistic therapies, we provide our clients with a well-rounded basis for recovery. Contact us today for more information on how to find help for your addicted loved one.
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