Someone asked me on a site the other day if it was possible to force their son into drug rehab or alcohol treatment.  That is a good question and it comes up quite frequently, so let’s take a look at the answer.

Whether you can force a friend or family member into rehab or alcoholism treatment is based on what state or country you live in.  For example, if you happen to live in Michigan, then you can NOT force someone into substance abuse treatment or rehab.

On the other hand, if you live in, say, Florida, then you do have the option of getting someone committed to rehab for substance abuse.

So the ultimate answer is that it varies based on local laws, which vary according to state.  Therefore, you need to call up a local drug rehab and simply ask them what the policy is in your state or country.  They will almost certainly know the answer and will be able to guide you accordingly.

Now of course this also begs the question: “Should you force your loved ones or friends into rehab, against their will?”

This is a tricky subject and you have to tread very carefully here if this is the situation you are facing.  There are at least 2 red flags that go up immediately that anyone should really consider before they go through with the committing process:

1) Forcing a loved one into treatment can create resentment and isolate them even further from you.

2) Forcing a friend or loved one into rehab will likely not work, because they are not truly ready to stop using on their own.  You cannot force them to change.

Of course this can be tricky because some people actually have got clean and sober for good after being forced into rehab.  The process has produced good results in rare cases.  So people sort of grab a hold of that idea, and they are desperate to see some change, so they figure they will give it a shot.  What is the worst that can happen, right?

Well that is a question you must weigh heavily before taking action.  Keep in mind that any success stories based on people being forced into treatment may very well be coincidental.  Given enough time and enough addicts, there are going to be some who just happen to be “ready” when they get forced into rehab.

Also, the process could backfire and the addict may resent you, lash out at you, isolate further from you, and possibly even engage in even riskier and more self sabotaging behavior after they leave rehab.  You can’t keep people locked up forever.  And when they get out, they just might go a bit nuts.  Or at the very least, they may go back to their drug of choice with a real vengence.  It certainly has happened.

Better is to let them know that the option is available.  Offer to take them to rehab, or help them to get into professional treatment, but that you will NOT help them in any other way.  Ever.  This may sound a bit awkward but it is an important stand for you to make.  This is the only sane and logical stance that you can take when an addict is out of control and will not seek help for themselves.

Offer to get them professional help, and nothing more.  Make it clear that you will never help them with anything else, whether that be bailing them out of jail, giving them money to pay for groceries, or anything else they might need assisstance with.  They either go to rehab or they are on their own when it comes to you.  This is how to set a firm boundary that forces them to at least consider the idea of rehab.

After enough pain and suffering due to their addiction, they may eventually start to get the idea, and hear what you are suggesting.

Good luck.