Millions of people in the United States struggle with substance abuse and addiction. If someone you love lives with substance use disorder (SUD), you are not alone. It can be very challenging to know how to help or what you can do to support their recovery journey.
Some people may wonder if it is possible to force someone to get treatment. Some states have involuntary commitment laws. These laws allow family members to have a loved one involuntarily committed for substance abuse treatment.
But can you file for involuntary treatment in Florida? This article will explore the answer to this question. You will learn:
- How to recognize that a loved one struggles with addiction
- How to convince someone to seek treatment on their own
- How to file a petition for court-ordered drug rehab
- Where to find comprehensive addiction treatment programs in Florida
If you or a loved one needs support to manage drug or alcohol addiction, you are not alone. Contact the Agape Behavioral Health specialists to explore our comprehensive programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
Recognizing the Signs of Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a complex condition. People struggling with addiction often require professional treatment and long-term support to overcome it.
The first step in getting treatment is recognizing the signs of SUD. Some common signs of substance use disorder include:
- Using more drugs or alcohol
- New or worsening mental or physical health conditions
- Increased isolation
- Spending a lot of time and energy getting, using, or recovering from using addictive substances
- Changes in appearance, behaviors, sleep, or mood
- Dishonest or secretive behaviors
- Using slang terms for drugs
You may also find evidence of drug or alcohol abuse, such as empty bottles or paraphernalia like pipes or syringes.
People who develop an addiction to drugs or alcohol may continue to use these substances, even when it causes significant harm. If you recognize these or other signs of SUD, seek treatment right away.
How to Convince Someone to Go to Rehab
Treatment facilities offer comprehensive treatment programs led by mental health and medical professionals. These programs can help people overcome the complex roots of substance abuse and move forward.
However, many people do not seek treatment, even when addiction becomes life-threatening. In many cases, loved ones may need to convince someone to seek treatment.
If you love someone with SUD, you may attempt to convince them to go to rehab on their own. An intervention is a planned conversation between an addicted person and their loved ones. An intervention can convince someone to seek immediate care in an addiction treatment center.
During an intervention, friends and family members detail how the addicted person’s actions have affected them. They set limits with the addicted person and ask them to seek treatment right away.
Contact the Agape Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about staging an effective intervention.
Can You Force Someone to Go to Rehab in Florida?
If your loved one refuses to seek treatment on their own, you may wonder if you can force them to go to rehab. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to seek involuntary commitment for SUD treatment in Florida.
In 1993, Florida passed The Other Drug Services Act, which is known as The Marchman Act. This law allows people to file a petition to commit someone for inpatient addiction treatment involuntarily.
People may only use the Marchman Act in specific circumstances. The only people eligible to file a Marchman Act petition include:
- Law enforcement officers
- Parents
- Guardians
- Spouses
- Siblings
How Does the Marchman Act Work?
The law requires the petitioner to clearly demonstrate that the addicted person is unable to make decisions about their health. They must prove that the person is likely to harm themself or others if they do not receive immediate treatment.
Filing for the Marchman Act can be challenging. It is important to follow the procedure carefully. You must:
- Contact local treatment facilities to find one with immediate availability
- File a petition for involuntary commitment through your local county clerk’s office
- Attend a hearing (usually occurs within 10 days of filing the petition)
If the judge approves your petition, law enforcement will find your addicted loved one and bring them to the treatment facility you selected.
Filing for involuntary commitment can be challenging. Contact the Agape Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about this process or to explore our comprehensive treatment programs.
Find Treatment and Support Now
Loving someone struggling with substance use disorder can be challenging. Contact the Agape Behavioral Health specialists if you need information, resources, or support to help a loved one with SUD. Our treatment professionals offer personalized, comprehensive treatment programs that empower people in their recoveries.
Contact the intake specialists at Agape Behavioral Health to learn more about our programs or to schedule your first appointment.
References:
- State University System of Florida: Fundamentals of the Marchman Act
- Florida DCF: Marchman Act
