Receiving hatred from a loved one suffering from substance abuse after filing for involuntary treatment can be heartbreaking. You can feel pain and guilt, as you fear that your relationship with them is damaged.
While your loved one may not be happy, your decision is an act of unconditional love. However, is this worth the risk? Understanding the situation from an objective yet compassionate perspective can help you find an answer.
Separating the disease from the person
Seeing your loved one’s pain can cause you to intervene by filing for involuntary treatment. This decision may feel like a betrayal to them, prompting them to resent you.
Feeling guilty about your intervention is normal, especially when the action damages the relationship. Instead of thinking that you are fighting your loved one, consider that you are fighting their substance abuse. Intervening now can help you stop their cyclical pain from worsening in the future.
Helping your loved one heal from a legal perspective
Under the Marchman Act in Florida, you can legally order your loved one into a substance abuse assessment, provided they meet the following criteria:
- Your loved one is unable to control their substance abuse.
- Your loved one’s substance use is clouding their judgment.
- Your loved one is posing a danger to themselves and to others.
The process begins when you file a petition with the Clerk of Court. Then, your loved one enters hearings that assess their condition and order an appropriate treatment.
Mending your relationship with your loved one
Helping your loved one recover from substance abuse is possible. While you may encounter obstacles along the way, your support can help them overcome this difficult situation. Although your loved one may express resentment during the process, being present in their lives is crucial in fixing the relationship.
Filing for an involuntary treatment can be overwhelming to handle. Seeking professional legal advice can help you proceed with caution.