Drug and alcohol addiction is a problem among millions of Americans. Drug abuse causes issues not only for the individual but also for the people that are involved with the person. This includes their family, friends, co-workers, and community. In many cases, the individual is not able to see or admit that they have a problem. They will refuse to go to rehab on their own and will continue to cause problems, even legal ones. There are many addicts who end up having to attend a court-mandated rehab program after being charged with a DUI or other drug or alcohol-related offense. If this is the case, they may wish to know what court-mandated rehab programs are like before they begin one.
What is Court-Mandated Rehab?
Court-mandated rehab often occurs when an individual commits a crime while they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It could be any type of crime, such as driving under the influence, domestic abuse, property damage, disorderly conduct, and more. Studies have shown that around 80% of crimes that lead to jail time in this country are committed while the person is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The goal of court-mandated rehab is to keep individuals out of jail while providing them with the help they need to get better. Men and women who have been arrested can often avoid jail time by agreeing to go into rehab. This allows them to get the help they need to live a crime and substance-free life. The goal of the program is to give offenders a chance to prove they can clean up their lives and live a respectable life without having to go to jail.
There are certain criteria that must be met in order for an individual to receive a sentence of court-mandated rehab. They will differ from state to state, but will typically include the following:
• The individual cannot have been given court-mandated rehab before
• The individual committed a non-violent crime
• The crime was an indirect or direct result of drug or alcohol abuse
• The judge thinks that the offender will benefit from a stay in rehab
• A probationary period is often sentenced along with the rehab program
What Can You Expect?
While every rehab will have its own set of rules and programs, you can expect certain factors to be the same. Any individual who is court-mandated to attend rehab will have to complete a certain amount of time, depending on their sentence. This time frame could be anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months to a year, depending on the crime and the ability of the individual to attend rehab. If detox services are needed, the court will make sure that the individual gets it during their stay. This may or may not include medication to help with withdrawal symptoms, as the individual will not be allowed to use during their probation
Random and scheduled drug tests will be conducted during a stay in court-mandated rehab. Patients may also be asked to take breathalyzers at random times, as well. If the patient was taking any type of prescribed medication before they went to court, the medication will be held by the rehab itself and given out accordingly. Even some over-the-counter medications will be held by the center.
Patients who are court-mandated to attend rehab will attend therapy sessions the same as other patients. This includes one-on-one sessions with a therapist to talk about their drug or alcohol abuse. They will learn how to function in the outside world without relying on substances to get them through. If they are given a dual diagnosis, they will also talk about their underlying mental health issues. Individuals will also be required to attend group therapy sessions during the program. Some rehab centers also offer family therapy sessions when they believe the time is right.
The individual must usually complete the program before their probationary period is up. If they don’t, a judge may or may not lengthen their probation, or they may decide that the individual is in violation of their probation. If this is the case, additional charges may be brought up against the person. It is always in your best interest to complete a court-mandated rehab stay as soon as possible. This also shows that you are serious about getting better.
Call Today to Find Out More
Whether you are court-mandated to attend rehab or want to come on your own, we can help. You can reach us at 302-842-2390.
