The Marchman Act treats addiction like a public health issue and aims to ensure timely interventions and proper treatment are accessible to all so tragedies do not happen.
The Marchman Act serves as a lifeline, affording legal admission of individuals into treatments they might otherwise not undertake. Understanding the limits of the act may mark the first step in establishing a roadmap that guides loved ones on a journey of recovery.
The main purpose of the Marchman Act is to provide a legal mechanism for intervention by family and loved ones in cases where substance abuse has gotten out of control. This act provides a means whereby the concerned parties will have avenues to legally begin the assessment and treatment process to break the addiction cycle and provide access to needed care.
According to the Marchman Act, a person can be detained for a period of up to 72 hours for assessment by a professional. The assessment will determine the next course of action in treatment.
The Marchman Act is not designed as a disciplinary measure against individuals who use drugs or alcohol but is intended to protect the individual in a safe and well manner until they are able to receive needed assistance to overcome their addiction.
In order for an individual to be taken in under the Marchman Act for involuntary assessment and treatment, the following must apply:
The Marchman Act is an invaluable source of intervention when the individual may be at risk of overdose, committing suicide, or may cause harm to loved ones.
It can be initiated by family members, a guardian of the law, or any three adults who have direct knowledge of the substance abuse problem. This is an inclusive approach that allows room for concerned parties to take proactive steps in securing help for their loved ones.
The Marchman Act, through establishing a system whereby support is provided with the means to act in the best interests of those who struggle, reinforces the need for community involvement in rehabilitation.
The process of the Marchman Act goes as follows:
A petition to begin the process under the Marchman Act must be filed in the circuit court of the county where the substance user resides. The petition must contain the facts that bring the user within the purview of the involuntary assessment and treatment provisions and evidence of an inability to make decisions regarding their substance use.
After filing the petition, a substance abuse assessment is conducted and involves professional services from experts qualified to handle such issues. This is usually done within five days, during which the individual might be stabilized at a facility designated for such treatment.
If the court learns from the evaluation that the criminal requires treatment, it can then issue an order specifying the type of treatment the offender should receive. The treatments may include detoxification, residential treatment, and outpatient programs. A judge’s initial treatment order can be made for 60 days or less and can extend to the number of times he considers fit after reevaluation.
Treatment durations under the Marchman Act may be quite long, depending on the case and every judge’s discretion. The duration of initial treatment can go up to 60 days and, at any given time, may be extended by 30 to 90 days.
The Marchman Act is a powerful intervention option for families when their loved ones have a spiraling addiction that is considered out of control. The law provides immediate action that protects their loved ones from the direct danger of substance use, which especially applies to those situations where there could be no legal voluntary treatment.
Here are some benefits the Marchman Act can bring to families:
Early intervention improves health outcomes and reduces the risk of relapse.
However, the act does have its limitations. The legal fees are apart, and the burden of proof costs a lot. Secondly, even though the treatment is by the order of the court, some of them, post-treatment, refuse to cooperate, which may reduce their effectiveness. Thirdly, privacy is compromised as, by implication, court involvement makes the process more open.
Some of the alternatives to the Marchman Act are:
The problem with this, however, is that, generally speaking, voluntary denotes more effectiveness than involuntary. People are most likely to participate actively when treatment is self-chosen. Any person who is aware of their substance use and motivated to make a change in their addiction is usually more receptive to therapy and support.
In fact, professional intervention programs may provide a motivating influence to get them into treatment of their own free will. Most professional programs work with the aid of a trained interventionist who teaches family and friends how to confront their loved one regarding their substance use. The goal is to offer an enabling atmosphere in which the individual feels supported toward taking help.
Community resources and support for other resources are also in place for those seeking an alternative or follow-up to the process involving the Marchman Act. Supportive groups, such as AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) or NA (Narcotics Anonymous), offer peer and shared experience companionship.
Sober living houses provide a structured environment in which residents can transition back into normal day-to-day life while continuing to live sober. Outpatient programs allow individuals to remain at home while attending treatment if flexibility is an issue or if more support is wanted.
A sober living house is an important part of aftercare for people who have completed some kind of treatment and need an added structured environment to reinforce their sobriety. The advantages of these homes include developing a peer support community that encourages residents to adopt healthy routines, avoid triggers, and begin their lives in recovery.
At Bridges Sober Apartments LA, we prioritize a supportive community with structured programming. Regular group meetings, one-on-one counseling, and life skills workshops provide the resources needed to transition to our residents smoothly. We are committed to making everyone part of an invaluable and supportive atmosphere during their recovery process.
We are here to help with your recovery if you or a loved one wants to know the right way into long-term sobriety. Our sober living homes, whether one comes directly from a treatment program or just needs an encouraging environment, provide an ideal atmosphere in which one can heal and work on personal growth.
Contact Bridges Sober Apartments LA today to learn more about our services and learn how we can support you in your recovery.