Reprieve Recovery is one of the most advanced addiction treatment centers in Florida. This page answers the question: Can You Force Someone to Go to Rehab?
Can You Force Someone to Go to Rehab for Addiction?
Yes, but it should only happen if all attempts to reason and talk about addiction treatment have failed. Families are encouraged to try an intervention first. The most effective interventions are done by a certified interventionist. Interventionists often succeed in guiding loved ones into rehab.
If those efforts don’t work, some states allow you to petition the court to require rehab when safety is at risk. In Florida, the Marchman Act gives families a legal path to compel treatment when a person cannot recognize their need for help.
FAQ: Forcing Someone Into Rehab
Families often have questions when considering legal or professional options to get a loved one into treatment. Knowing what your options are and being
Here are straightforward answers to the questions we’re asked the most about forcing someone to go to rehab.
What happens after a Marchman Act is filed?
Once the petition is filed, the court reviews it quickly. If approved, the process usually looks like this:
- Petition filed with the clerk of the circuit court.
- The judge reviews the request and may schedule a hearing.
- Hearing held where family members share testimony.
- Court order issued if the judge agrees the person needs treatment.
- Law enforcement transports the person to the chosen rehab program.
What happens if you Marchman Act someone and they don’t go to rehab?
If the court orders treatment and the person refuses, the judge can enforce consequences. These may include:
- Contempt of court charges for ignoring the order.
- Mandatory transport by law enforcement to the facility.
- Additional hearings to ensure compliance.
We Accept Most Major Insurance Plans
Understanding insurance for treatment isn’t always straightforward, and we do our best to make the process easier. Our team has experience working directly with insurance providers and can guide you through what your plan may cover.
How much does a professional intervention cost?
Costs vary depending on the interventionist’s experience and travel needs. Most professional interventions range from $2,000 to $8,000. Some providers may offer payment plans or sliding scale options.
What if we can’t afford a professional intervention?
If cost is an issue, some families have been successful in staging an intervention themselves, or with the help of someone the addicted person respects, but who is NOT a family member. For example, a favorite coach or teacher, pastor, rabbi or imam, former boss, etc. The key is to PLAN the intervention well and for everyone to know their role and stick to it.
Does it go on your permanent record if you are forced to go to rehab by the court?
No. A Marchman Act petition or court‑ordered rehab is a civil matter, not a criminal charge. It does not create a permanent criminal record. The goal is treatment, not punishment.
Do I have to have a place picked out to petition the court to force my loved one into rehab?
Yes. When you file a petition, the court expects you to have a treatment program ready to accept your loved one. Without a rehab lined up, the process can stall and valuable time may be lost. Choosing a facility in advance ensures that if the judge orders treatment, admission can happen right away.
Key points to prepare:
- Research and select a rehab that fits your loved one’s needs.
- Confirm the program has space available.
- Coordinate with the facility so they are ready to admit your loved one once the order is issued.
At Reprieve Recovery, we can help families plan ahead, arrange detox and rehab. Note: We cannot provide legal advice.
Florida’s Marchman Act: Forcing Rehab Through the Courts
Families often feel powerless when a loved one refuses treatment. In Florida, there is a legal option called the Hal S. Marchman Alcohol and Other Drug Services Act of 1993, commonly known as the Marchman Act. This law allows you to petition the court to require someone to enter rehab if their substance use has reached a dangerous level.
To qualify, the person must meet at least one of these conditions:
- They have lost control over their substance use.
- They are likely to harm themselves or others.
- They cannot recognize their need for treatment or make rational decisions about care.
Because this is a serious step, the law requires three adults who have direct knowledge of the person’s addiction to support the petition. The petition is filed with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where your loved one lives or is currently located.
Preparing for a Marchman Act Petition
If you’re considering this route, preparation is key. The court process moves quickly once a petition is filed, so you need to have a rehab program chosen and ready to accept your loved one. Without a plan in place, valuable time can be lost, and the opportunity for intervention may slip away.
Think through practical details in advance:
- Which treatment center best fits your loved one’s needs?
- How will transportation be handled once the court orders treatment?
- Who in your family or support network can provide testimony and documentation?
At Reprieve Recovery, we can guide you through this process. Our team helps families plan their approach, select the right treatment program, and prepare the petition so you feel supported every step of the way.
Steps to File a Marchman Act Petition
Here’s a simple breakdown of the process:
- Confirm eligibility – Ensure your loved one meets the legal criteria for loss of control, risk of harm, or inability to make rational decisions.
- Gather support – Identify three adults with firsthand knowledge of the addiction who can testify.
- Choose a rehab – Line up a treatment center in advance so placement is immediate.
- File the petition – Submit the Marchman Act petition with the clerk of the circuit court in the county of residence or location.
- Attend hearings – Be prepared to provide testimony and documentation during the court process.
- Follow through – Once the court orders treatment, coordinate with the rehab facility to ensure admission and ongoing care
Understanding Addiction and How Treatment Helps
Addiction affects the brain and body. It makes it difficult for someone to control their use of drugs or alcohol, even when it harms health, relationships, or daily life. This condition is not a weakness or a lack of willpower. It is a medical issue that requires care, compassion, and professional support.
Treatment helps people break free from that cycle. It teaches healthier coping skills, offers therapy and peer support, and provides structure to rebuild trust and stability. Recovery takes time, but with the right help, individuals can regain control and create a life that feels meaningful and sustainable.
Addiction treatment offers:
- Medical stabilization and professional care
- Therapy to address underlying issues
- Peer and family support
- Coping skills for stress and triggers
- Structure and accountability for lasting recovery
About Reprieve Recovery Addiction Treatment in West Palm Beach, FL
At Reprieve Recovery Center, we focus on creating treatment plans that reflect each person’s needs. Our goal is to provide care that supports lasting recovery, using a mix of therapies and approaches that encourage a healthy, substance-free life. Call us at (561) 783-3431 for help today.
