How do I Commit a Minor to Drug Treatment?

A minor is a child who has not yet reached the age of 18 years. According to a survey from National Survey on Drug Use & Health, 11.6 percent of youths ages 12 to 17 were current illegal drug users. Some drug abuse in children is actually a symptom of an underlying mental disorder. Have your child examined by a doctor to rule out physical or mental issues. This may also give you a good starting point to get your child treated. Young people can recover from drug addiction to live full, healthy lives.

Instructions

• 1

  Choose a facility with basic accreditation. Ask if the facility is state licensed (usually by the Department of Health) and currently accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. You can search for a treatment facility online at http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/

• 2

  Educate yourself. Ask questions and do your research before making a decision on a treatment facility. Does the treatment plan include a 12-step program? Is there a spiritual basis? What is the average length of stay? How many teens are in treatment? What is the cost? Ask any other questions that come to mind.

• 3

  Ask the minor to go willingly. Some teens may be ready to seek treatment. They may agree to go to treatment with little or no convincing. Others may go willingly after an intervention. Let the patient know that his or her "loose ends" will be taken care of (care of pets, school work, etc.) so that they feel they are free to go to treatment without obligations at home. Let the teen know you care for them.

• 4

  Have the minor committed by court order, or parental consent. Some teens may refuse treatment. Minors can be involuntarily enrolled into rehab by a guardian or parent. Those who have gotten into trouble with the law due to drug use may be court ordered into treatment as part of their sentence.