Can You Force Someone to Go to Rehab in Florida?

Watching someone you love struggle with drug and alcohol addiction can make you feel helpless. Each year, millions of people in the United States live with substance misuse and addiction, but few will get the treatment they need.

One of the most significant barriers preventing people from going to rehab is that they do not recognize the severity of their addiction or are unable to make clear-minded decisions about their health.

Some may wonder if forcing someone to go to rehab in Florida is possible. There are laws in place allowing people to petition for a loved one to be involuntarily committed to addiction treatment. If someone in your life needs addiction treatment, you are not alone. Reach out to the Archstone Behavioral Health specialists now for guidance and support.

Can You Force Someone to Go to Rehab in Florida?

In 1993, the State of Florida passed the Marchman Act, also known as the Other Drug Services Act. The law was created to ensure people get the treatment they need for substance abuse and addiction, regardless of their ability to make decisions about their care. The Marchman Act encourages people to seek treatment voluntarily but allows concerned loved ones to seek involuntary commitment to a treatment facility.

Under the Florida Marchman Act, people must go through a lengthy and thorough process to prove that their loved one requires involuntary commitment. Once a person has been involuntarily committed to a treatment facility, they may be held for evaluation, detox, and substance abuse treatment.

How to Use the Marchman Act

The Marchman Act may only be used in particular circumstances. This law consists of precise guidelines and regulations that limit who may be involuntarily committed to treatment. The Marchman Act can be used by law enforcement if they encounter intoxicated and disruptive people during their duties. It is most commonly used by friends and family members of a person who struggles with addiction.

To use the Florida Marchman Act, a petitioner must prove that a person with substance abuse is unable to act in their best interest because of their substance abuse. They must prove that the addicted person cannot recognize the harm their substance abuse is going and that they are likely to harm themselves or others if they do not receive immediate treatment. The Marchman Act can also be enacted if three adults with knowledge of a person’s substance abuse petition the judge for involuntary commitment to an addiction treatment center.

The first step of filing for the Marchman Act is contacting local treatment centers to find immediate availability for treatment. Next, you must file a petition for involuntary treatment. You can find the necessary forms at your county clerk’s office.

The forms will require information about the person requiring treatment, including:

• A complete description of the person
• Details on where to find the person
• The name and location of the treatment facility where your loved one should be admitted
• The date and time the treatment facility will accept the person
• A list of current medications the person takes
• Any medical conditions that will require care during rehab

A hearing will be held within ten days of filing the petition. If the judge approves the petition, law enforcement will locate the person and serve them with a Marchman Act order. At this point, the person will have the option to go to treatment voluntarily. However, if they refuse to go voluntarily, law enforcement will detain them and bring them in for treatment against their will.

Staging an Intervention

Attempting to convince your addicted loved one to seek treatment is essential before filing for involuntary commitment. People who agree to go to rehab are often more invested in treatment outcomes and commit themselves to recovery.

Sometimes, friends and family may choose to stage an intervention, which can be an effective way to encourage people to seek treatment. An intervention is a planned event families hold to convince an addicted loved one to go to rehab.

Planning and preparation are essential to a successful intervention. Here are some steps you can take to stage an effective intervention for an addicted loved one.

1. Find an interventionist

A trained interventionist provides valuable insight and experience that ensures your intervention runs smoothly. They will guide you on what steps to take and where to find community support before, during, and after the intervention. The professional interventionist will also help the group communicate clearly and maintain a calm, supportive atmosphere, making it more likely your intervention will be effective.

2. Choose your team

You’ll need to build your intervention team, which should consist of close family and friends. Your group may also include coworkers or others in the addicted person’s life. While older adults and children may attend an intervention, it’s essential to be aware that they can be intensely emotional events.

3. Plan

The group must also plan for who will speak and in what order, what type of treatment they will offer their loved one, and determine the consequences if their loved one refuses to seek treatment.

4. Select a location and time

Ensure you select a location with plenty of room for everyone in the intervention group to feel comfortable, and the addicted person will feel safe.

Plan the intervention so that it will happen when your loved one is less likely to be intoxicated. Your intervention may last an hour or more, so make sure you have plenty of uninterrupted time.

5. Keep realistic expectations

Knowing how your loved one will react during the intervention is impossible. They may respond with anger, shame, or hostility. The interventionist will use their training and experience to de-escalate the intervention and keep it on track.

If your loved one refuses to participate in the intervention or decides not to seek treatment, you may consider using the Florida Marchman Act to get them the help they require.

Learn More Now

Reach out to the specialists at Archstone Behavioral Health now to learn more about how to get a loved one to go to rehab in Florida. Our dedicated team will help you at every stage of finding and starting treatment. Call today to get started toward a healthier, sober lifestyle.