Involuntary Rehab Commitment: How to Attain a Section 33 Court Order?
What is involuntary rehab commitment? Involuntary rehab commitment, often known as Section 33, is a South African statute that allows a qualified person to seek a court order compelling someone to be committed and treated involuntarily for an alcohol or substance use disorder.
According to estimates, at least 30% of the population of South Africa is addicted to something. Because of loss of income, depression, grief, and loneliness, the percentage has risen since the recent Covid shutdown. This growth has had a direct impact on families and communities, with massive numbers of lives lost. The effects of substance abuse disorders are undeniable. There is little doubt that substance abuse diseases have catastrophic implications for families and communities and that recovery is becoming increasingly necessary.
“Addiction isn’t a spectator sport; everyone in the vicinity of the addict gets to participate.” This comment is accurate and highlights the fact that addiction affects everyone involved.
How do I Commit Someone to Rehab?
There was once a perception that an individual could only be treated and have a successful recovery if they were willing to go to addiction rehab treatment. This isn’t correct. Addiction is a medical problem, not a moral one. Until they have gone through the rehabilitation process, few addicts will admit they have a problem. It’s also crucial to recognise that addiction has several layers, including:
- Family history of substance abuse
- Environmental factors, e.g. People we associate with and places we frequent
- Underlying psychological disorders
So how does one commit someone to rehab? The best way is to gently persuade an addicted individual through a Section 33 Court Order.
“This is not a punishment; this is therapeutic medical assistance,” says Dr. Prakash Naidoo (ARCA Rehabs)
How Do I Attain a Section 33 Court Order?
The process may appear to be time-consuming, but it is quite straightforward if you have the necessary paperwork, such as:
- Two affidavits declaring that the addict poses a threat to themselves and others.
- A social worker’s report on the situation.
- The designated practitioner’s psychosocial report.
The importance of acting fast when attaining a court order is imperative. “The longer the individual is left untreated, the more extreme the consequences” Dr. Prakash Naidoo (ARCA Rehabs)
Involuntary rehab commitment is both a preventative and a beneficial measure.
Addiction is a sickness that can spiral out of control, and many addicts will either die or succumb to a life of crime. There is no proper method to explain the consequence, and Section 33 might mean the difference between life and death.
Reach Out Today
No one wants their loved one to require emergency psychiatric therapy but knowing that options are available is reassuring. Consider contacting ARCA rehabs today if your loved one has a co-occurring substance use and mental health condition. ARCA rehabs are the only rehabs in South Africa that provide follow-up care for a year after rehab treatment at no extra cost
