Drug addiction of a family member can take a staggering toll on the rest of the family. Especially if the situation lingers. Those families who have gone through it will understand completely, and those who haven’t probably will not.

The main point I want to write with this blog is, what do you do in parallel with prayer and exercising of your faith? Are there any legal steps that can be taken? Especially when a loved one does not want to get help. Do you just watch them deteriorate before your eyes?

There is a way. Thankfully, the Massachusetts civil commitment process is documented in Chapter 123 Section 35 of Massachusetts General Law. I first became aware of this process while reporting to the Police a breaking and entering at my home after our TV was stolen.

One of the concerns with involving the Police and the Court System is the prospect of hindering your loved ones future, by having some damning charges on their record. This because your holding out hope against hope that this is just a phase in their life. That the person will get a grip and change. Per Learn To Cope, a peer-led support network for families dealing with addictions and recovery, Section 35 is not:

• An arrest
• Will not appear on a cori check
• Will not disqualify an individual from employment opportunities

To add to that Section 35 is completely confidential.

How To Get A Section 35 Commitment

1. Go to any district court or any division of the juvenile court department.
2. Petition the court in writing, stating the reasons commitment is needed.
3. Meet with the court clinician.
4. Go before the Judge
5. The warrant will be served if there is enough evidence.
6. Court hearing.
7. Treatment

Again per Learn To Cope, “Research shows that individuals who are mandated or civilly committed to receive addiction treatment have the same or higher rates of recovery than those who voluntarily seek treatment.”

There Is Hope

I found it ironic that today’s devotions from Our Daily Bread for April 24, 2015 authored by Dave Branon can fit nicely with this blog.

… There are no easy answers to such big concerns. But for those who have trusted Christ, there is hope — whether we are basking in blessings or grinding through grief. Peter spells this out in his first letter. In glowing terms, he praises God for our “new birth into a living hope” (1 Pet. 1:3 NIV) through our salvation. That hope can bring joy even in the middle of tragedy.

He assures us of the permanence of this hope (V. 4). He then tells us of the heart-breaking reality that we may “suffer grief in all kinds of trials” (V. 6). Those who have suffered loss turn hopeful hearts toward Peter’s next words: These come so that “your faith … may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (V.7)

Trials — seemingly random and inexplicable — can be seen differently in light of these words. In the midst of tragedy, the power and beauty of our salvation can shine through because our great Savior. And that may be just enough light to get a troubled person through another day.

I don’t want to come across as naive and sound as if this is the “cat’s meow.” Those addicted to drugs may have many relapses. But, as a last resort, when health is deteriorating, committing your loved one for drug treatment through the Court System, while continuing to pray and believing for the best, can be the smartest action to be taken at the time.