“For their own good”—Why addiction treatment must be voluntary.
A common misconception regarding addiction treatment is that addicts must be compelled into treatment “for their own good,” regardless of their thoughts and feelings. If you've ever lived with a person struggling with addiction, it is easy to understand why such a thought is compelling. In many cases it comes from a sincere place of caring for the person with addiction. However, this is a harmful mindset that is directly harmful and counterproductive to the goals of treatment.
Voluntary Addiction Treatment
First and most importantly, voluntary treatment preserves the patient's right to autonomy in decision making. It is morally unjust to subject a person to medical treatment against their wishes, except for the rare circumstances in which the person lacks the capacity to make their own choices. People have the right to make their own choices, even if they are bad choices. To do otherwise would be perpetrating harm, similar to kidnapping or falsely imprisoning a person.
On a more practical note, almost all addiction treatment relies on the cooperation of the patient. Addiction treatment requires taxing emotional labor on the part of the patient as they are required to closely examine their thought patterns, behaviors, and emotions during treatment. You cannot force a human being to perform this labor unwillingly. At best, they might pretend to participate but this participation would be insincere and therefore of little value to long term recovery.
Forcing a person into addiction treatment against their will also destroys trust in the addiction treatment system. They resent being forced into treatment and the providers caring for them. Not only does this poison the current attempt at treatment, but it also makes the person wary of the treatment system in general and therefore less likely to seek care in the future.
When a person with addiction is forced into treatment against their will and they predictably “fail” to improve, they are labeled a “treatment failure.” They carry this black mark with them and it may bias the assessment of future treatment providers. The patient themselves can feel guilty for this “failure” even though they were forced into treatment against their will in the first place.
Healthier Approach to Treatment
A healthier approach to treatment involves informed consent and shared decision making between the patient and their treatment provider on the manner of treatment and its goals. This approach fosters a trusting therapeutic relationship between the patient and their treatment provider which is a necessary requisite for addiction treatment.
No doubt there are cases where patients forced into addiction treatment go on to have a durable recovery, despite being forced against their will into treatment . There are also rare cases in which a patient lacks the capacity to make their own decisions and therefore treatment decisions must be made for them by trusted guardian or power of attorney. However, it is my philosophy to only treat patients with their express consent. That consent can only be given after a full discussion of the risks, benefits, and methods of treatment.
If you or someone you love is suffering from problematic drug or alcohol addiction use and is seeking treatment, contact the clinic by calling or clicking the “Get Started” button in order to schedule a discovery call and initial evaluation, both of which are free.
We are here to help.
North Tampa Executive Health Clinic is directed by Dr. Jack McGeachy. He provides confidential and comfortable addiction treatments and therapy for opioid and alcohol use disorder. Rather than a rehab or detox, meaning that each patient is cared for one-on-one by a medical doctor, in contrast to other treatment programs. Heed Help? Book your in office appointment in the Tampa office or via video conferencing today.
Helping patients with addictions in Tampa Florida, Temple Terrace, Brandon, Bloomingdale, Carrollwood, Thonotosassa, Town N Country, Lutz, Wesley Chapel, Land O Lakes, St. Pete, Clearwater, Oldsmar, Westchase, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs and surrounding areas.
