Can You Force Someone Into Rehab?

It’s difficult to watch a loved one lose themselves to addiction. You may have tried everything you can think of. Conversations, boundaries, ultimatums, and interventions. And yet, they still refuse treatment. In the moment, you may ask yourself, “Can you force someone into rehab?” The answer is not straightforward. It will vary based on several different circumstances: your state’s laws, the individual’s age, and their mental and physical well-being.

We frequently have these conversations at Willow Ridge Recovery Center in Monmouth County, NJ. You are not alone in having these questions. Let us help you learn your options, the legalities involved, and the best ways to motivate someone to get treatment when the person you love is in crisis.

Understanding When Someone Refuses Treatment

Addiction impairs judgment. It can be very difficult for a person with an addiction to see the problem clearly. Most people with a substance use disorder really believe they’re not that bad, or they’re afraid of what will happen if they become sober. It’s not weakness of will; it’s the illness talking.

If your loved one is refusing treatment, you may feel helpless, angry, or even guilty. The good news is that there are kind, caring, and effective ways to handle the situation without resorting to force right away.

Can You Legally Force Someone Into Rehab?

The ability to force someone into rehab largely depends on state laws. In New Jersey, it is possible to pursue involuntary commitment for substance use under specific circumstances. This process allows family members, doctors, or legal guardians to petition the court to require an individual to enter treatment if their substance use poses a serious danger to themselves or others.

Under New Jersey Statutes (N.J.S.A. 26:2B-7), involuntary commitment can occur when:

• The individual has a substance use disorder,
  
• Their addiction causes them to be a danger to themselves or others,
  
• And they are unwilling or unable to enter treatment voluntarily.
  

In such cases, a judge may order an evaluation and, if necessary, require the person to attend an addiction treatment program. However, this process must follow legal procedures and include professional assessments to ensure the person’s rights are protected.

While involuntary rehab can sometimes save lives, it is typically considered a last resort after all voluntary efforts have failed.

The Role of Family and Loved Ones

Before taking legal steps, families can play an essential role in helping a loved one accept treatment voluntarily. At Willow Ridge Recovery Center, we encourage families to approach these conversations with empathy and understanding, not blame or confrontation.

Here are some steps families can take:

1. Educate Yourself
Learn about addiction as a medical condition rather than a moral issue. Understanding how addiction affects the brain helps you communicate more effectively and compassionately.

2. Hold a Structured Intervention
A professionally guided intervention allows loved ones to express their concerns in a safe, supportive environment. An intervention specialist can help you communicate the impact of your loved one’s behavior while emphasizing care and hope for recovery.

3. Set Boundaries
Establish clear boundaries regarding enabling behaviors. This might mean refusing to provide money, housing, or excuses for substance use. Setting boundaries can motivate change without resorting to force.

4. Offer Solutions, Not Ultimatums
When discussing treatment, present clear options like admission to Willow Ridge Recovery Center. Offering immediate access to care can help your loved one say “yes” when they’re ready.

Why Voluntary Treatment Is More Effective

Although it can be necessary to force a loved one into rehab, research shows voluntary treatment is associated with more positive outcomes. When people go into recovery on their own terms, they are more likely to participate in treatment, complete a rehab program, and maintain sobriety.

Willow Ridge Recovery Center believes in partnering with families to convey the message that treatment is not a punishment. Rehab is, rather, an opportunity to be set free from the chains of addiction, live a stable life, and start the healing process.

The admissions staff often works with families to create a customized intervention to inspire their loved one to choose to get help on their own.

What to Expect If Involuntary Treatment Is Needed

If all voluntary efforts fail and your loved one’s addiction has become life-threatening, involuntary treatment may be the safest option. In New Jersey, this typically begins with a petition to the court. The process includes:

1. Filing a Request for Evaluation – A concerned family member, healthcare professional, or law enforcement officer submits the request.
   
2. Clinical Assessment – The individual undergoes a professional evaluation to determine the severity of the addiction.
   
3. Court Hearing – A judge reviews evidence and may order mandatory treatment if the person meets the legal criteria.
   

Even in these cases, the ultimate goal remains the same: to help the individual achieve stability, receive compassionate care, and begin their recovery journey.

The Role of Treatment in Long-Term Recovery

When someone enters rehab voluntarily or through a court order, both routes still require effective treatment that must treat the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. At Willow Ridge Recovery Center, we provide a full continuum of care—including inpatient, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and outpatient programs—so clients can receive the right level of support at each stage.

Our programs combine medical detox, evidence-based therapy, and holistic healing approaches to address the root causes of addiction. By focusing on long-term wellness and relapse prevention, we help clients build the confidence and coping skills needed to sustain recovery.

Helping a Loved One Find Hope

When you’re asking “can you force someone into rehab?“, chances are you’re watching a loved one suffer. Please know you are not helpless. You may not have power over their actions, but you can make real change. You can step in to protect their safety and guide them towards recovery. At Willow Ridge Recovery Center in Monmouth County, we stand with families like yours. We provide support every step of the way, from guiding you through intervention to compassionately assisting with admissions. Contact us today to find compassioante treatment for substance abuse and mental health.