Can You Legally Force Someone to Get Treatment?
Life is full of challenges, both welcome and unwelcome. One of the most difficult may well be trying to help a friend, loved one, or family member who clearly needs some sort of assistance but may not be willing to admit they have issues to be addressed. If it's in their best interests, do you have the legal right to bypass their lack of consent and place them in a mental health treatment program or a drug rehabilitation center? As you might imagine, the answer is complicated. Extremely complicated. Each situation is different and will depend on the person's age, where they live, and the type of issue involved. If a crime is involved, the courts may take the choice out of your hands through involuntary commitment or drug court for substance abuse addiction treatment. Mental health issues and addiction problems can destroy lives and tear families apart. Wanting to help a friend's well-being by getting them into detox or a behavioral health facility is natural, bu...