Court Ordered Alcohol Treatment
When someone is arrested for a crime caused by or influenced by alcohol, a court will often order the individual to take an alcohol treatment program. These programs are frequently ordered after crimes such as a DUI or public drunkenness. Court-ordered alcohol treatment may be done in addition to, or instead of, jail time.
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Purpose
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The purpose of court-ordered alcohol treatment is to get a person to stop abusing alcohol. Often, treatment will be ordered if a judge feels the individual is not likely to seek treatment without an external force such as a court order. In addition to improving the individual's life, treatment is seen as a way to reduce the overall amount of crime.
Inpatient
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There are inpatient and outpatient treatment centers. The judge might select the type of treatment, taking into account the severity of the case; for example, whether an individual is struggling to function in everyday life. Sometimes the judge might leave the decision up to the individual. Inpatient care is generally used for more serious cases. These programs involve 24-hour supervision by alcohol recovery experts. This round-the-clock care can be helpful to someone with a severe case of alcoholism.
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Outpatient
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For those who are still able to function in everyday life, outpatient treatment can be the preferred option. This enables someone to continue working and engaging in his daily life, but still requires him to attend classes and meetings, such as meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous. Letting the individual attend classes at times convenient for him may lead to a greater likelihood of success.
Length of treatment
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The length of treatment can vary based on the severity of the case. Many treatment programs last about a month or two, while others can last longer. A judge might order the length of the treatment as well as specify how often the individual must attend meetings and classes.
Keys to success
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Success in court-ordered alcohol treatment is largely influenced by the individual herself. A willingness to combat alcohol problems is the most important factor. Those who enter with a positive attitude and ready to work will get the most out of their programs, and successful completion of treatment can greatly lower the chance of future crime and other problems.
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References
- Photo Credit to drunk to drive image by Marjan Veljanoski from Fotolia.com
