Medically Reviewed:
Dr. Michael Vines, MD
Ray Hamilton, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C
Last Updated: June 30, 2025
Watching someone you care about fall into addiction is heartbreaking. It can feel even more painful when they refuse to admit there’s a problem or reject every offer of help.
In moments like these, family members often ask: “Can you force someone into rehab?” The answer is complicated. But there are legal, medical, and emotional options available to help.
Addiction is a disease that impacts the brain’s ability to think clearly and make healthy decisions. When a person is deep in addiction, they often don’t recognize the gravity of their condition. They may deny the problem, insist they can quit at any time, or even blame others for their behavior.
This denial isn’t just denial. It’s a symptom of the disease. The parts of the brain responsible for judgment and self-awareness are affected by substance use, especially with alcohol, opioids, or methamphetamines. That’s why simply “talking some sense” into someone with addiction rarely works.
In some cases, waiting for them to “hit rock bottom” may be too late. This is where the idea of forcing someone into rehab, either legally or through intervention, enters the conversation.
Yes, in certain situations and in certain states, you can legally force someone into addiction treatment. This process is known as involuntary commitment, and it allows family members, guardians, or authorities to petition a court to require treatment for a person who is a danger to themselves or others due to substance use.
Each U.S. state has different laws governing this process. Most require strong evidence that the individual:
If a judge agrees, they can issue a court order requiring the person to attend inpatient treatment, which typically lasts from 30 to 90 days, or sometimes longer.
Involuntary commitment laws allow courts to order a person into treatment, often for mental illness or substance use disorder even if they refuse to go voluntarily. These laws exist to protect individuals who are unable to recognize their own need for help and who may pose a danger to themselves or others.
In the context of substance abuse treatment, these laws give families and concerned parties a legal way to intervene when someone’s drug or alcohol use has reached a life-threatening level.
Common reasons for involuntary commitment include:
States with Involuntary Commitment Laws
Not all states have involuntary commitment laws. As of 2024, 37 states and the District of Columbia have some form of involuntary commitment laws for substance use disorders. These laws allow families, medical professionals, or courts to mandate treatment for individuals who are severely addicted and pose a danger to themselves or others.
The laws vary by state, name, criteria, and length of treatment. Not all states enforce these laws equally; some have them on the books but rarely use them. Each law has its own requirements, timelines, and procedures. Consulting with a lawyer or local addiction treatment centers can help guide you through the process.
Here are a few of the most well-known:
Some states, like Oregon and New Mexico, focus more on mental health commitment, and do not have standalone laws for substance use disorders. These laws vary in process and duration but share a common goal: to save lives and provide care when someone can’t choose it for themselves.
How can you force someone into rehab? If your state allows involuntary treatment, here’s a general outline of what happens during involuntary commitment:
This process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the state and court availability.
While you can force someone into rehab in some cases, the more complicated question is: Should you?
Addiction recovery is most successful when the individual is motivated and engaged in their treatment. But that doesn’t mean involuntary rehab doesn’t work.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that treatment doesn’t have to be voluntary to be effective. Once an involuntarily committed individual enters a sober space and detoxes, his motivation can grow.
You may consider forced rehab when:
Ultimately, it’s a deeply personal decision. But it may be the best hope for your loved one’s survival.
Treatment facilities willingly or by court order, have these treatment programs:
Even if someone enters treatment reluctantly, the environment can foster change. Many people start to see the value in recovery once they’ve had time away from substances.
Yes. Many people who initially refuse help ultimately find lasting recovery. Research from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) shows that forced or mandated treatment can still be effective when programs are evidence-based and supportive.
Once the fog of addiction lifts during detox, the brain begins to heal. Therapy, community, and structure help people reconnect with their goals, health, and self-worth—even if they didn’t choose rehab willingly.
Relapse is part of the recovery process for many people. If your loved one completes treatment and returns to use, don’t lose hope. Each round of treatment increases awareness, tools, and support networks.
Consistency is crucial. Stay connected, continue setting boundaries, and keep offering help. Avoid any form of enabling. Many people require multiple attempts before recovery sticks, but every effort brings them one step closer.
So, can you force someone into alcohol rehab? In many cases, yes, especially when the situation is life-threatening or out of control. But whether you pursue legal action, hold an intervention, or simply start with a conversation, you have more power than you think.
Addiction is a devastating disease, but recovery is possible. When someone you love refuses help, it’s easy to feel helpless. But you are not alone. By educating yourself, setting boundaries, and using all available resources, you can help steer your loved one toward the care they need, even if it takes more than one try.
If you’re still struggling with the question, “Can you force someone into drug rehab?” You’re not alone, and there is help available.
In some cases, legal options like involuntary commitment laws can provide a critical lifeline for someone who’s lost control and refuses treatment. Whether you’re exploring drug courts for involuntary rehab or seeking compassionate treatment options, taking action now could save your loved one’s life.
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