Court Ordered Rehab
- May 8, 2023
- Prosperity Haven
- Addiction Treatment
Facing criminal charges related to drug or alcohol abuse can put a lot of strain on your personal life, career, and mental health. You might worry that you have to go to jail or that a record of criminal behavior may damage future job prospects. Either way, one of the best ways to overcome the challenges of a conviction is court mandated rehab. It may not sound ideal to everyone, but the fact is that court ordered detox and rehab can offer you a safe way to deal with your addiction while also meeting your legal obligations.
But what is court appointed rehab? How does it work? Can you get out of court ordered addiction treatment? Are there any benefits of going? Finally, where can you access a high-quality inpatient rehab when it has been ordered by a court of law?
In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more, but first, let’s examine exactly what court ordered rehab really means:
What Is Court Ordered Rehab?
Court ordered alcohol or drug rehab is often a consequence of a crime involving substance abuse. For example, if you drive a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or you commit an unrelated crime while intoxicated and have a history of substance abuse, a judge may order you to enter a rehab program as part of your sentencing. That said, not all court ordered rehab involves a criminal proceeding. In some cases, friends or family may petition the courts to mandate a rehab program if you’re unwilling to go voluntarily.
Rehab is often used to substitute jail time, as it has proven to be more effective at reducing future drug and alcohol related crimes. Though the exact requirements vary based on your location and the circumstances of your sentencing, most courts will mandate an inpatient or outpatient rehab program, typically for a minimum period of time. In certain instances, you may still be sentenced to jail time that begins before or after your stint in rehab.
Whether you voluntarily enter rehab or do so at the behest of the judge, the treatment will be the same. If you choose a quality provider like Prosperity Haven, you will get a wide range of services and resources to help you recover, including detox, therapy, and medication-assisted treatment.
How Long Is Court Ordered Rehab?
Court ordered rehab usually sets a minimum amount of time that you must stay in rehab. For instance, the judge may sentence you to at least 30, 60, or 90 days at an inpatient rehabilitation facility. These are common timelines, but the exact length of a court ordered rehab stay can vary based on the specifics of your case. It’s also important to note that you can stay in rehab longer if your therapist or doctor believes that it would be helpful for your recovery.
What Happens If You Leave Court Ordered Rehab?
If you violate court ordered inpatient drug rehab (or alcohol rehab), you could risk facing more severe legal consequences. This is true whether you refuse to enroll in a rehab program or you leave rehab before the mandated program is complete. The exact consequences will vary based on a few different factors. Let’s say that you do attend rehab and leave one day prior to the program’s completion. The judge may choose to consider the order fulfilled, particularly if there were extenuating circumstances that required you to leave. On the other hand, if you refuse to enter rehab or you leave the program with several days or weeks left until completion, you may face additional jail time, fines, and/or community service.
Benefits Of Court Ordered Rehab
It may seem strange to think about court ordered rehab as a “good” thing, but the fact remains that rehab mandated by courts has helped save thousands of lives. Here are just a few benefits to consider when facing the prospect of court mandated rehab:
- Little or No Jail Time – The courts often use rehab as a way to avoid sentencing someone to jail time. If you’ve committed a crime while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, rehab can be a much more comfortable way to avoid going to jail. Even if you still have to go to jail as part of your sentencing, court ordered rehab will almost always reduce the length of the sentence.
- Fewer Fines – In addition to jail time, courts often use fines as a way to deter criminals from becoming repeat offenders. Agreeing to enter a rehab program could greatly reduce the fines you have to pay to the court.
- Addiction Treatment – One of the biggest benefits of court ordered rehab is that you can actually access the help you need. If you’re struggling with addiction, you may not want to enter rehab voluntarily. But when you have a legal obligation, it greatly increases the chances that you enter and finish a rehab program, which in turn increases your chances of staying sober for good.
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment – It’s not always easy to overcome substance abuse when you’re also suffering from a co-occurring mental health issue like depression or bipolar disorder. Fortunately, high-quality rehab centers like Prosperity Haven can treat both conditions simultaneously.
Why You Don’t Want To Get Out Of Court Ordered Rehab
When you’re addicted to drugs or alcohol, rehab may seem like the last place you want to be. However, this is often the result of the distorted thinking caused by substance abuse. Even though you know deep down that rehab is the best solution, you may avoid it at all costs. This may cause you to refuse court ordered rehab in favor of jail time or skip out on rehab after the sentencing.
But both of these are bad options. Going to jail will still result in the difficulties of withdrawal, without the therapeutic and medical support you would get in rehab. And if you skip rehab after the sentencing, you’re only setting yourself up to face worse consequences in the near future. In short, if you want to achieve sobriety and fulfill your legal obligations, you should absolutely go to court ordered rehab.
How To Get Court Ordered Rehab
As previously mentioned, there are two primary ways to get court ordered rehab. If you’ve committed a crime while using drugs or alcohol, you should speak to your attorney prior to your court date and discuss the possibility of requesting rehab as part of your sentencing. This does not guarantee that you’ll get court ordered rehab, as it is ultimately up to the judge, but it will let the court know that you’re interested in making a change for the better.
Alternatively, your friends and family members may petition the courts to obtain a court ordered rehab mandate. This option is very common for substance abusers who have not committed a crime or have not been caught committing a crime. In Ohio, your family or friends will need to submit a formal petition to a judge and answer questions about your addiction. Then, you may be detained and taken to a medical facility for evaluation (if you’re unwilling to go voluntarily). Finally, a court date will be set to determine if a court ordered rehab program is right for you.
Who Pays For Court Ordered Rehab?
Even when a court orders you to go to rehab, it is up to you to pay for the treatment. Depending on your health insurance provider, you may get coverage for court ordered rehab. Otherwise, you’ll need to find a way to pay for rehab on your own.
Court Ordered Drug & Alcohol Rehab In Ohio
Are you facing court ordered rehab in Ohio? Do you want to find a high-quality facility to help you fulfill your legal obligations and start you on the path toward recovery? If so, Prosperity Haven is the best solution. Located in Chardon, Ohio, Prosperity Haven offers advanced inpatient rehab and detox managed by trained professionals. Reach out today to learn more.
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