Is Forced Rehab Effective for Addiction Recovery?

With over 700,000 drug overdose deaths in the US since 2000, it's very clear that we are in the midst of an epidemic and that there are hundreds of thousands of people in desperate need of drug rehabilitation programs.

Unfortunately, not all types of rehabilitation programs are created equal, with involuntary drug rehabilitation programs raising both significant ethical and efficacy concerns. In this post, we examine how involuntary drug rehabilitation differs from rehabilitation programs where individuals have made their own decisions to recover.

What Is Forced Rehabilitation?

Forced or involuntary rehab is when an individual is put in a drug rehabilitation program against their will. Forced rehabilitation is often seen as a controversial practice because it involves legal and ethical issues with consent and autonomy. 

There are a variety of forced rehabilitation interventions that are legal under US law, including: 

• Involuntary rehab for minors: In the US, parents can require their children under the age of 18 to attend drug rehabilitation. 
• Court-appointment rehab: US Courts can also send nonviolent offenders suffering from substance use disorder (SUD) to supervised drug treatment programs instead of sending them to prison. 
• Involuntary commitment: In the US, 37 states allow adult individuals to be involuntarily committed to a drug rehabilitation program if they are struggling with SUDs or alcoholism. Laws including The Marchman Act, Casey’s Law, Ricky’s Law, Substance Use Emergency Commitment/Substance Use Involuntary Commitment, and the Massachusetts General Law Chapter 123, Section 35, are often used by the loved ones of those struggling with addiction who are acutely worried about their health and wellbeing to justify their actions.

How Effective Is Forced Rehab?

Forced rehabilitation is controversial because many believe its impact is limited since it is forced upon the individual and not done of their own free will. However, others insist that the pressures and sanctions imposed by loved ones and the courts have boosted attendance, retention, and success at drug treatment programs. 

A 2021 study found that over 47% of people relapse after finishing a forced drug detox program, suggesting that the effects are, at best, only temporary. The idea that people can successfully recover by undergoing mandatory treatment can appear misguided at best and dystopian at worst. After all, those forced into rehab may not be mentally or emotionally ready to make such a significant change, which can not only endanger their recovery success but push them further into addiction. 

Additionally, forced rehab may not be able to provide the proper follow-up care that patients need to remain drug-free. Those released from forced programs are unlikely to begin attending voluntary programs, and many facilities may not have the funding and resources required to support those who are not active inpatients, leaving them vulnerable to relapse. 

Ethical and Human Rights Concerns

Violation of autonomy and personal freedom is a major concern with forced rehab, especially as it leaves vulnerable individuals at risk for abuse or coercion. For example, an individual may be threatened with being sent away from their family and friends to involuntary rehab if they refuse to submit to the requests of their abuser.

With this in mind, alternatives to forced rehab that center around autonomy, like the ones below, are often preferable.

Harm reduction

Instead of forcing an individual to go “cold turkey,” harm reduction is about reducing the impact of addiction while also prioritizing the autonomy and dignity of the person. Tactics used in harm reduction programs include medically assisted detoxing, which minimizes withdrawal, behavioral therapies, counseling, support groups, and family therapy. 

Motivational interviewing

Motivational interviewing is a process in which people are supported in discovering their reasons for recovery and encouraged to set their own goals instead of having them imposed on them. One of the major benefits of this approach is that it can help build trust between the individual and mental health professionals involved instead of creating an unhealthy power balance. 

Peer support

Lastly, peer support can be used as an effective alternative element to forced rehabilitation. Individuals can benefit from the support and empathy of those who have also undergone rehabilitation. Additionally, the feeling of isolation and alienation that is so common with addiction can be reduced with peer support. 

Why Voluntary Participation Is Ideal for Recovery

A person’s inclination to participate in rehab impact results can have a resoundingly positive impact on the process. When people voluntarily participate in rehab, they are buoyed by feelings of empowerment and self-determination. They are choosing their path and are genuinely interested in recovery. 

Such programs also provide a more supportive and non-coercive approach to recovery, which creates a warmer, more conducive atmosphere for healing. Participants and staff work together toward the shared goal of recovery. 

Voluntary Rehab in San Diego

Forced rehab is legal in 37 states in the US. However, both its efficacy and ethics have been called into question. Indeed, there is little evidence that forced rehabilitation efforts are effective in preventing drug abuse issues. 

That is not to say that there are not some very effective approaches to addiction recovery that provide benefits such as better self-esteem, improved motivation, better decision-making, treatment of mental health conditions, and the opportunity and support to approach past trauma. 

Contact our empathic and friendly team at Jackson House Recovery Centers today to learn more about voluntary, person-centered approaches to addiction recovery and how they can help you or your loved one.