Watching a loved one suffer from addiction can feel frustrating, and sometimes, even frightening. The situation becomes even more complicated when the person is in denial and refuses help.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 1 in 4 Americans aged 12 and above reported abusing illicit substances.
Unfortunately, it’s estimated that only 1 in 6 individuals diagnosed with drug or alcohol addiction received sufficient professional care.
While you usually can’t force someone to receive treatment for a substance use disorder (SUD), there are various steps you can take to encourage treatment and protect them from harm when the situation becomes dangerous.
Here’s everything you should know.
What Can You Do When a Loved One Refuses Treatment?
It’s not unusual for someone living with SUD to be in denial. It’s one of the most common obstacles to addiction recovery.
Of course, a refusal doesn’t necessarily mean the person will never accept treatment. Although it’s natural to get concerned, it’s worth remembering that there’s a limit to what you can do to help them.
Educating yourself about addiction and staging an intervention with an addiction specialist or an interventionist can be effective in breaking denial and encouraging treatment.
By letting them see the harm their behavior is causing and offering clear steps and support to recovery, they’re more likely to be open to attending rehab.
If they still refuse treatment, you may decide to establish clear boundaries and consequences if they continue drinking or taking drugs.
For scenarios where someone’s chronic addiction poses a high risk of danger to themselves or others, a loved one may need to explore involuntary rehab options.
Can You Force Someone Into Rehab in New Jersey?
Addiction treatment works best when the patient cooperates willingly and is motivated. Regardless of whether you’re family or a close friend, you can’t usually force someone who is over 18 into inpatient rehab.
However, there are special circumstances in which an adult can be evaluated and admitted into an addiction treatment center even without their permission. These are called involuntary commitment laws.
In New Jersey, drug courts require clear and plausible evidence of a mental illness, the likelihood of harm, and unreasonable refusal to seek professional support before involuntary commitment laws apply.
In instances of adolescent SUDs, many states do allow parents or guardians of minors below 18 years of age struggling with an addiction to commit the individual to a program without their consent.
That said, the extent and type of treatment allowed may vary from one state to another. Some may only approve outpatient treatment, while others may permit full-time residential rehab.
What Are Involuntary Commitment Laws?
Involuntary commitment laws are designed for specific events where someone who is evidently struggling with substance use disorder continues to avoid rehab, despite the evident harm the condition is causing them.
A person may be considered appropriate for involuntary rehab if they:
- Pose a serious physical threat to themselves or others
- Are unable to provide basic needs (food, shelter, etc.) for themselves
- Require detention for their protection and the public’s safety
A severe case of overdose can be a ground for involuntary rehab. This happens when someone ingests a drug or alcohol more than their body can handle. It’s considered a medical emergency and can be fatal.
Fentanyl and opioids are among the leading causes of overdose deaths in the US.
Alcohol can create similarly dangerous risks of poisoning and accidents. Someone living with alcohol addiction can experience withdrawal symptoms that may require close medical supervision.
An involuntary assessment of the patient’s situation is performed and, based on the findings, the court will decide whether forced rehab admission is necessary.
Involuntary rehab laws vary from state to state. Depending on where you live, a petition can involve family members, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, or a drug court. Court fees and other legal expenses may apply, in addition to the cost of treatment.
How Does Involuntary Rehab Work in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, the laws governing involuntary rehab are outlined in the New Jersey Revised Statutes, Section 30:4-27 et seq.
The statute focuses on assisting those dealing with addiction who are unable to help themselves while protecting other people’s safety. For this, the Garden State mandates three core requirements, namely:
- A Mental Illness Diagnosis: New Jersey defines mental illness as a “disturbance” of thought, mood, perception, judgment, and ability to control behavior or recognize reality. This can include co-occurring disorders (dual diagnosis) besides addiction.
- Real Danger to Self, Others, and Property: These can involve attempts of serious self-harm, severe self-neglect, and real likelihood to cause other people and their properties harm.
- Unwillingness to Receive Support: The person was offered appropriate intervention, support, and care but refused it despite knowing the harmful consequences of their substance abuse.
Involuntary treatment is generally intended to support short-term rapid stabilization and a crisis response. If someone taken into custody for screening is found to meet all criteria, they may be referred to a licensed psychiatrist.
A temporary inpatient hold can last up to 72 hours, within which a court order for extended commitment must be provided for an extended stay.
Without a court order, the patient will be free to leave unless they decide to proceed with treatment.
The length of involuntary rehab may vary from three days up to a year. Moreover, the court can order a recommitment if the patient requires further treatment and professional attention.
What Types of Addiction Treatment Are Available?
There are various treatment types for addiction depending on the condition’s severity and the patient’s unique situation. A personalized approach ensures the person receives the proper support they need and increases the chances of success.
Reliable substance abuse treatment centers typically begin with a thorough assessment before developing an individualized plan. Some treatments they may recommend include:
Supervised Medical Detox
Withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and dangerous without medical assistance. Detox with professional supervision helps keep the process comfortable and safe.
Withdrawal can last for a few days to several weeks depending on the substance, the patient’s overall health, and severity of addiction. Some symptoms like cravings can last longer and may need medication to manage.
Behavioral Therapy
Many residential and outpatient rehab programs involve some form of evidence-based behavioral therapy. They’re also a key part of dual-diagnosis treatment.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are two popular interventions offered in rehab. Both therapies aim to help patients change unhealthy thinking and behaviors reinforcing their substance abuse.
Individual therapy and group therapy may also be offered.
Inpatient vs Outpatient Services
Addiction treatment services can be inpatient or outpatient, usually based on the level of care an individual needs.
During inpatient rehab, patients stay in a hospital or facility where they receive 24/7 medical and emotional support. This way, they can focus better on their recovery in a trigger-free environment.
There are different types of inpatient treatment, ranging from standard residential care to acute rehabilitation.
Outpatient care, also called a day program, doesn’t require patients to live in a facility. People attending are allowed to go home in the evenings after therapy. The services offered are often similar but less intensive than inpatient rehab.
Those who can’t afford to leave behind their jobs and responsibilities may prefer outpatient services.
Treatment hours and intensity of support vary based on the specific outpatient program. An intensive outpatient program (IOP), for example, typically requires patients to attend 3 to 4 hours of daily treatment.
Aftercare and Relapse Prevention
The fight for sobriety continues even after rehab. It’s actually fairly common for patients to relapse at some point after rehab.
To support their long-term recovery, many rehab centers provide aftercare and relapse-prevention initiatives in the form of support groups, outpatient therapy, and sober living homes.
How Much Does Rehab Cost?
The cost of rehab can vary wildly depending on location, what substance is being abused, type of treatment required, and the length of intervention. Dual diagnosis and chronic medical conditions can also add to overall expenses.
A general 30-day outpatient rehab can cost someone anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000. Many centers offer a 3-month day treatment program for $5,000.
Inpatient care is usually the more expensive option, with patients paying $5,000 to $80,000 depending on the facility.
Most health insurance plans will cover rehab, but specific insurance coverage can differ. Make sure to check with your provider and verify your payment plan with the rehab center before committing.
Helping a Loved One Overcome Addiction in New Jersey
You can’t always make someone enter rehab, but you can help make the decision easier.
Before attempting involuntary commitment, it’s always best to first try to persuade them with compassion. Educate yourself about addiction, learn why they resist treatment, and offer practical support.
Consider working with a professional to stage an intervention.
If someone you care about struggles with drug or alcohol abuse in the Garden State, reach out to NJ Addiction Resources. Our team can help you connect with accredited rehab centers across the tri-state.
Talk to us and take a step forward toward a sober future today!