Witnessing someone you care about battle addiction can be incredibly painful, especially when they’re unable or unwilling to seek help on their own. In Florida, there are several paths available to help get a loved one into inpatient substance abuse treatment, whether voluntarily or through legal intervention.
Let’s walk through the options, including voluntary admission and the use of the Marchman Act, a powerful legal tool in Florida.
Voluntary Admission
The simplest and most effective way to get someone into inpatient treatment is through voluntary admission. Your loved one may come to this conclusion on their own, or they may need your help to arrive at that decision. If your loved one recognizes their need for help and is willing to participate in treatment, here’s how you can support them:
Steps to Take:
- Research licensed treatment centers and offer inpatient detox and rehabilitation programs in Florida.
- Verify insurance or payment options. Check what your loved one’s insurance covers, or ask about sliding-scale fees and financing plans.
- Call the facility directly to ask about availability and intake procedures.
- Support the transition. Offer to help with transportation, packing, and emotional encouragement.
Many treatment centers have staff available 24/7 to help coordinate immediate admissions, especially during a crisis.
When Voluntary Admission Isn’t an Option
If your loved one is in denial, resistant to treatment, or unable to make rational decisions due to their substance use, Florida’s Marchman Act may be the right approach. The Marchman Act allows for the involuntary assessment and treatment of people struggling with substance use disorders when certain conditions are met.
Who Can File?
- A spouse or relative
- A legal guardian
- Any three adults with specific knowledge of the person’s substance use
- A licensed healthcare professional
Criteria for the Marchman Act:
To use the Marchman Act, the individual must:
- Be impaired by substance abuse
- Have lost the power of self-control
- Be at risk of harming themselves or others, or be unable to make rational decisions regarding their need for treatment
How the Process Works:
- File a Petition: Submit a sworn petition to the clerk of court in the county where the person resides.
- Court Review: A judge goes over the petition and may order an involuntary assessment (typically lasting up to 5 days).
- Treatment Recommendation: If further care is necessary, the court can order up to 60 days of inpatient treatment, with the possibility of extension.
Please note: The Marchman Act is civil, not criminal; the goal is treatment, not punishment.
Be Prepared Emotionally and Practically
Getting a loved one into treatment is an emotional journey. Whether they go voluntarily or through the Marchman Act, it’s essential to set clear boundaries and take care of your own mental health. You need to be rested and healthy to help. Remember to stay involved in the treatment and recovery process.
Substance Abuse Treatment in Florida
Addiction affects entire families and social networks, but you are not powerless. With compassionate persistence and knowledge of Florida’s resources, including the Marchman Act, you can take critical steps toward helping your loved one enter treatment and begin the road to recovery. If you’re unsure where to begin, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly. Help is available, and recovery is possible.