HELP

[ChefDavis]

How do I go about forcing a 17 year old into substance abuse treatment in Georgia if they refuse.

[Jaybay]

If your child is still legally a minor child, then yes, you can force the issue.  Of course, getting a teenager to physically get in the car and go is another story.  The point is whether it will do any good or not.  Child or adult, if an addict isn't ready to work a recovery program, he'll come out of rehab clean, but still an addict.  Relapse is is only as far away as the nearest dealer or hidden stash.  Can you tell us a little more about what is happening?

[Ballgame]

This is my worst nightmare

[Ballgame]

You're better off cutting all resources off. It's tough but unless they want to get clean they won't.

But under 18 so can't you admit to rehab?

[atthebeach]

hi  and welcome to the forum. is there any arrests involved ? i am not sure about the laws in georgia but in nj i sent my son to rehab when he was 17 and he had to stay it was a part of his sentence. when he went before the judge for his drug possession i asked that he be released to a drug rehab and he was. thank god he stayed for the 3 months and never used cocaine again. he hated me when i sent him but now at 24 he thanks me and says i saved his life by sending him there.
is this your son? you have to try all you can to help him now before his life of drugs becomes 10,20 or 30 years of addiction. please dont' enable him by giving him money.
please let us know a little more about your situation.
god bless,
debbie

[quietllythinking]

That is a tough one. I am assuming this is your child? If so I can understand the desire to help your loved one, but I'm with Brad on this as you really cant "force" anyone to do anything agains their will. It has to be each individuals decision. I have two 17 yoa boys and I know that even thought they are my children they are almost grown and I can not force anything on them. However, I can make it clear that their are rules in my house and consequences for violating those rules. I don't know your situation, but good luck with whatever is going on.

[Brrrrad]

Just MY thought is - if you force someone into rehab then you will have to force them to stay then force them to stay clean when they get out. It is hard but it has to be their own choice, then you can be there with open arms and tons of support .  Thats just my thought..............