Answered By: Addiction Specialist

Answer: No, you cannot commit a family member against their will; at least there will be nothing to stop the family member from leaving rehab if they want to leave. In most states there are laws that allow certain authorities (e.g. police officers, psychiatrists) to place individuals on an involuntary hold for 72 hours but this can only be done if the individual is an immediate danger to themselves, a danger to others, or are gravely disabled, meaning they cannot provide for their own food and shelter. In California, a 72 hour hold is also known as a "5150". The most effective way to get an unwilling individual into recovery is to stage an intervention with a professional interventionist. Ideally, after being confronted with the consequences of their addiction they will willingly go into treatment, although there is no guarantee this will happen.

Answered on: January 26, 2009