How Substance Abuse Interventions Work Under the Marchman Act?

Here’s an update from attorney Mark Astor:

Families affected by the disease of addiction face an uphill battle to convince the addict that treatment is necessary. Interventions can and may work, but sometimes a family must take the proverbial bull by the horns and compel their loved one into treatment by taking advantage of the Marchman Act process.

You may, however, have questions about the Marchman Act and how it can help you get your loved one into treatment and long-term recovery. A spouse, guardian, relative, or any person with direct knowledge of a person’s substance abuse can initiate the Marchman Act process—if he or she can demonstrate that the addict has lost the power of self-control with respect to substance abuse, especially if that person is likely to inflict harm upon themselves or others unless they get help, says attorney Mark Astor.

After the necessary paperwork is filed, a judge can order an initial period of stabilization and assessment, followed by a recommended period of treatment. If the addict refuses, he or she can be held in contempt of court and must either comply with the treatment order or go to jail. The Marchman Act works because it includes real consequences for someone who cannot make the rational decision to seek treatment on their own.

A distinct advantage of hiring a member of the Drug and Alcohol Attorneys team is the ability to expedite the process—especially the critical phase of stabilization and assessment. Acting on your behalf, one of their lawyers will file a sworn petition with facts and legal justification sufficient to demonstrate to the court the need for intervention. Typically, this can be accomplished in as little as 24 to 48 hours.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, call (561) 419-6095 or email.