Alcoholism can destroy relationships and the daily functioning of the entire family. It is no wonder that loved ones desperately search for answers to questions: Can you force an addicted person to undergo treatment? We explain when in Poland compulsory treatment of an alcoholic without his consent is possible, who can file an application, and how the procedure looks step by step.
Compulsory Alcohol Treatment – Is It Possible?
In Polish law, there is a procedure commonly called "compulsory detox," but it is worth immediately explaining its meaning: it is not about forced healing, but about the possibility of a court imposing an obligation to undergo addiction treatment. In practice, family members can report the problem to the Municipal Commission for Solving Alcohol Problems and initiate a procedure that may lead to an application for compulsory addiction treatment. However, the mere notification or letter from the family does not automatically cause the addicted person to have to undergo treatment. Only court proceedings can end with a ruling on the obligation to undergo treatment, usually after examination and expert opinion, and sometimes also after observation.When Is Treatment of an Alcoholic Without His Consent Possible?
Living under one roof with an addicted person can be extremely burdensome for the family, and sometimes can turn into a real threat to health or life. Therefore, loved ones often ask when it is possible to seek treatment for an alcoholic without his consent and whether compulsory addiction treatment can be initiated at all. From the perspective of what most commonly appears in such situations, the compulsory detox procedure is considered when the effects of drinking go beyond mere domestic conflicts and begin to meet certain criteria, such as:- breakdown of family life,
- failure to meet basic family needs,
- demoralization of minors,
- avoidance of work,
- disturbance of public order,
- situations where there is a threat to health or even life.
How to Report an Alcoholic for Compulsory Treatment – Where to Start?
If you are wondering how to report an alcoholic for treatment and how to send him for compulsory treatment, the first step takes place outside the court. Initially, an application is submitted to the municipal commission for solving alcohol problems. Only later does the municipal commission (or prosecutor) refer the case to court if they deem there are grounds for it. After the case is transferred to court, proceedings are initiated in which the court appoints psychiatric experts. Their task is to assess documentation, verify information contained in the application, and analyze whether there are grounds for considering compulsory treatment of the alcoholic.Compulsory Treatment of Alcoholism – What Evidence Is Most Often Needed?
In cases where the family wants to initiate compulsory treatment of alcoholism, what matters is what can be documented. Evidence may include:- police intervention protocols,
- bills from sobering-up stations,
- receipts for alcohol purchases,
- witness testimonies,
- medical certificates of the addicted person,
- school psychologist's opinion.
Compulsory Alcohol Detox – What Does a Ruling Really Change
The court obligation to undergo therapy can be a strong signal for the addicted person that the problem has gone very far. Although in practice one cannot heal by force, the very confrontation with the procedure and external assessment can act as an impulse: the alcoholic sometimes treats this as the final moment when action must be taken. For some patients, it also matters that the situation is assessed by specialists and not only by loved ones with whom conflict has been growing for years. The proceedings can also bring an important change on the family's side. For co-dependent people, this is often a moment of organizing facts and calling things by their names. Simply going through the process gives a sense that all available steps have been taken, and the responsibility for the decision about sobriety no longer rests solely with loved ones. In many homes, such a stage also means greater psychological comfort and clearer boundaries in the relationship.What Does Compulsory Treatment of an Alcoholic Consist Of?
Compulsory treatment of an alcoholic does not differ medically from standard treatment – what changes primarily is the context (obligation arising from a court decision), not the therapy stages themselves. Treatment of alcohol addiction most often begins with detoxification, that is, cleansing the body of toxins formed after alcohol breakdown. Such cleansing allows for safely interrupting binge drinking and reducing the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms. At Nasz Gabinet, the next solution that some patients consider as support in maintaining abstinence is the alcohol implant (Esperal). This is a procedure whose purpose is to create an aversion to alcohol through the possibility of very unpleasant reactions after its consumption. The implanted Esperal usually works for up to 12 months, and after this period, it is possible to discuss with the doctor a possible repetition of the procedure. It is worth remembering that the implant does not replace therapy and can only support the decision not to drink. The last but equally important stage of treatment is addiction psychotherapy. Meetings with a psychologist or therapist help the patient rebuild psychological balance and develop specific strategies for coping with alcohol cravings and relapses. It is therapy that most often determines whether the change will be lasting.The Effectiveness of Compulsory Treatment of Alcoholism Depends on the Patient
How long treatment lasts depends most on the patient's engagement in therapy and willingness to cooperate. Even if compulsory treatment or detox is formally initiated, mere presence in the process does not yet mean real change. Therapy will not work if the addicted person does not recognize the problem and does not want to stop drinking. Therefore, in practice, the question of how to force an alcoholic to undergo treatment should be replaced with another: How to increase the chance that the patient will start cooperating and treat treatment as their own decision? At Nasz Gabinet, we help select supporting actions that can facilitate the transition from pressure and conflict to a real alcoholism treatment plan. If you or someone close to you is struggling with alcoholism, do not wait for the problem to develop. Contact us and get professional help.:::cta Need help fighting addiction? Our specialists are ready to help you. Call or schedule an online appointment. Call: 880 808 880 | Schedule appointment :::
