Pubdate: Tue, 29 Mar 2005 Source: Pensacola News Journal (FL) Copyright: 2005 The Pensacola News Journal Contact: http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1675 Author: Lloyd H. Steele Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) UNDERSTAND ADDICTION Treatment completion for substance abuse as a probation requirement tends to work (incentive to change). Florida has the Marchman Act statute that allows for involuntary commitments for assessment and stabilization, and for involuntary treatment in some cases. It is limited in that it is a civil action. Treatment can be a condition of probation with jail time more feasible than under possible civil contempt of court. Bring charges on offenders who drink or use drugs. You love your family member. Find out what is effective. "I don't want him to go to jail" is not effective, or is it literally or figuratively bailing the person out. Jail is better than the morgue. Treatment in lieu of just consequences is not effective. Please do not expect a short, involuntary treatment or detoxification effort to work when pleading for it has not worked. Save a life -- save a spirit. Learn how to not enable. Attend Al-Anon or Nar-Anon meetings where other friends and family of addicted persons learn and support recovery or what lends incentive for recovery. Check out the Internet or local resources. Lakeview Center offers the free "Helping Families Understand Addiction." Call 469-3730 for information. Lloyd H. Steele Pensacola - --- MAP posted-by: Beth