Substance abuse is scary and we all know someone who’s affected. In fact, 11% of the population abused illicit drugs each month in 2017.
Whether it’s a loved one or a friend, you may be concerned. It’s natural to want to help. However, you can’t get someone into rehab without their cooperation (except for in a few specific circumstances.)
Intervention can be an effective way to get your loved one into addiction rehab. But you have to be careful because your approach determines whether it works.
Part of staging a good intervention includes finding the right rehab program and helping to figure out payment. Without insurance, paying for rehab can be an obstacle.
What if you figure it all out and she refuses to go to rehab anyway? Involuntary commitment is still an option in some cases.
Here’s how to get your loved one into rehab:
How to Plan an Intervention
An intervention is a way to show your loved one how their substance abuse affects the people around them. Sometimes this is the wake-up call needed to start rehab.
However, a bad intervention can be worse than no intervention. It’s important to plan an intervention in a thoughtful way.
Here’s how to plan an intervention in seven steps:
- Decide who’s on board. Bring together trusted people who your loved one respects. This is your intervention team. Avoid inviting anyone who dislikes your loved one or who may make the situation worse.
- Do research. Learn how your loved one’s condition is affecting them and the best ways to treat it. Then, figure out the best rehab program options in your area that offer those therapies.
- Reach out to rehab programs. Call the programs that you want to get your loved one into. You can learn more about waitlisting your loved one and make a final decision about the right one.
- Figure out the logistics. Your loved one is a lot less likely to go to rehab if they can’t afford it. Talk to your chosen treatment center about how to pay for rehab, including options without insurance.
- Plan what you’ll talk about. Write down specific examples of ways your loved one has affected you with substance abuse. Be specific when describing what happened and how you felt (e.g. “I felt hurt when you abused painkillers.”)
- Decide on consequences. Your loved one can choose to skip rehab, so decide what will happen if that’s their decision. For instance, you will move out if your loved one won’t stop drinking.
- Set a date, time, and place. It’s important that you don’t tip off your loved one about the intervention. It won’t work if they have a chance to avoid it.
How to Find the Right Rehab Program
How do you find the right rehab program if you don’t know anything about substance abuse disorder? No two rehabs are the same. And at the same time, the rehab you choose is critical to a successful recovery!
- Talk to a doctor: A medical professional will be able to refer you to local rehab programs that have a good reputation. Call your local hospital or clinic to get more information.
- Compare treatments: Consider your loved one’s substance abuse habits and the kinds of treatments that are best for their situation. For instance, medication can be helpful with opioid recovery, but not all programs offer it.
- Consider continuing support: Think about treatment centers that offer outpatient care or an ongoing 12 Step group for post-program support. After all, addiction recovery never ends. It’s a lifelong process.
How to Get Someone into Rehab Who Doesn’t Want to Go
You can’t force someone into treatment if they don’t want it. The exception is involuntary commitment.
This is a legal process for admitting someone to treatment without their consent.
To qualify for involuntary commitment, your loved one must meet specific requirements.
Section 35 Massachusetts
Involuntary commitment goes under different names in each state. In Massachusetts, it’s known as Section 35 or civil commitment.
The requirements for Section 35 include:
- A diagnosis of alcohol or substance abuse disorder
- A high likelihood of causing harm to the person’s self or others
If the courts decide that your loved one meets these criteria, then they can be admitted for inpatient rehab only. You can’t use Section 35 to get someone into outpatient rehab.
To file for Section 35, you must have one of the following relationships with the person in question:
- Blood relatives
- Doctor-patient relationship
- Spouses
The only other people who can file for Section 35 are police officers and court officials.
As long as you meet the requirements, the first step for Section 35 is to go to District Court in Massachusetts and file a petition.
The person who would receive treatment will receive a summons and appear in court. They will receive an exam from a social worker or medical professional (unless they refuse it). Then, their attorney will give testimony to decide whether a commitment is the right call.
You don’t need to afford a lawyer to start Section 35 proceedings. If your loved one can’t afford a lawyer, then the court will appoint one.
Get into Rehab for Substance Abuse
Are you ready to get help for your loved one—or make a change yourself?
Whether you’re staging an intervention or you’re the one entering rehab, you’re making a positive change that will affect your life forever.
Call Northeast Addictions Treatment Center today to learn more about our rehab solutions. We offer the most compassionate rehab care in the Quincy and Boston area, including cutting-edge therapies, treatments, and medications.
We’re with you on this lifelong recovery journey starting today. Why are you waiting? Call Northeast Addictions Treatment Center today to schedule your intake appointment!
People Also Read