If you’re watching a loved one struggle with addiction and refuse help, it’s natural to feel helpless. You may even wonder:
“Can I force them into treatment?”
“Would rehab still work if they didn’t choose it?”
While Maryland law allows for involuntary rehab in some extreme situations, at Hygea Healthcare, we believe lasting recovery only happens when someone is ready to do the work.
What Is Involuntary Rehab?
Involuntary rehab refers to addiction treatment mandated by the court or through legal petitions—where someone is required to attend treatment even if they don’t want to.
In Maryland, this can happen through:
- Emergency psychiatric petitions
- Drug court programs
- Guardianship proceedings
But even if legally possible, we urge families to understand that forced treatment often leads to short-term compliance—not long-term change.
Why Willingness Matters in Addiction Recovery
At Hygea, we’ve seen it time and again:
✅ The people who heal the most deeply are the ones who walk through our doors by choice.
✅ They may be scared. They may not know what to expect. But they’re willing.
That willingness is the spark that makes recovery possible.
Without it, treatment can become just another thing someone “survives”—not something that transforms them.
What If Your Loved One Isn’t Ready?
While you can’t force someone into meaningful recovery, you can create conditions that make change more likely. Here’s how:
- Have open, honest conversations. Avoid shame. Focus on concern and love.
- Set clear boundaries. Sometimes the hardest (and most loving) thing to do is stop enabling behavior.
- Explore a guided intervention. These can help someone understand the impact of their addiction and the support available.
- Take care of yourself. Your well-being matters. Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, or therapy can help you stay strong.
- Let them know treatment is always available. Even if they say no today, the door stays open.
Speak to our team—we can walk you through next steps and how to prepare when that moment of willingness arrives.
The Hygea Approach: Support Without Pressure
We meet people where they are. If someone’s ready to change, we welcome them with dignity and compassion.
If they’re not there yet, we help families prepare—and stay ready to act when that moment comes.
Because when someone finally says “yes”… that’s when recovery can truly begin.
Final Thoughts
You can’t want it for them. But you can hold space, offer support, and be ready when they are.
At Hygea Healthcare, we’re here to walk with you through every stage—whether your loved one is ready now, or just beginning to consider change.
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