Reasons Behind the Involuntary Commitment Protocol
Substance abuse has the potential to threaten people’s lives and lead to adverse consequences, such as loss of control. To prevent this, the state of South Dakota allows involuntary commitment under specific circumstances, increasing the likelihood of successful rehabilitation (South Dakota Division of Behavioral Health, 2019). While it is not ideal, the procedure may improve an individual’s quality of life and willingness to receive treatment if performed correctly. The roadmap specifies the roles, expected consequences, and the law-enforced timelines that can be used in the process. To properly understand the current protocol, it is essential to analyze the eligibility factors and propose algorithms to ensure that the committed person has the opportunity to get support.
Involuntary Commitment Eligibility
Three main groups of people can be involuntarily committed to a treatment facility or other specialized establishment. South Dakota Division of Behavioral Health (2019) lists people who may cause harm to themselves or others, individuals incapacitated by the effects of substances, and pregnant women who use alcohol or drugs. These cases create circumstances that demand emergency actions and must be addressed immediately. If ignored, the people involved may cause injuries or death, which the process of commitment to a facility can prevent. Information about the preceding intake must be documented on the application form to ensure a link between substance use and the emergency.
Moreover, the exact purpose of the procedure should be stated: to prevent an incident, to provide basic care, to reduce the risk of endangerment, or to stop prenatal exposure to harmful substances. This documentation will support the need for immediate action and allow the facility to perform procedures. Therefore, observed signs of possible harm to any participants may constitute grounds for involuntary commitment to a treatment facility.
Possible Counter-Resistance Strategies
The committed person may show resistance, which must be addressed promptly and appropriately. The need for action is dictated by the standards that oblige the facility to limit the commitment to a maximum of 5 days (South Dakota Division of Behavioral Health, 2019). However, if the situation is not emergent, this timeframe is decreased to 48 hours or until the intoxication period passes. After that, the individual has the right to leave the establishment unless a subsequent legal prosecution continues the detention.
In addition, further treatment may be necessary if the person shows signs of addiction or socially dangerous behavior, making the rehabilitation process an essential step. This idea applies to all cases where involuntary admission is applicable. Therefore, preparing the person to receive the rehabilitation support needed is necessary before the commitment expires.
The client must be consulted by a professional who understands the client’s personal risks and background. In case the incident involves a pregnant woman, the risks must be explained, and a proper treatment program should be suggested. If the person shows pushback due to violent tendencies affected by intoxication, their actions must be limited by law enforcement to guarantee a safe environment.
Another possible complication is if the committed cannot perform essential self-care and rejects the help. In this case, the guardians or relatives must be contacted to help with persuasion. The same tactics can be applied to other situations if they can potentially prevent the following incidents. In conclusion, professionals must analyze each specific case of involuntary admission and find ways to persuade the client to address the problem, using gathered background information and individual-centered methods.
Reference
South Dakota Division of Behavioral Health. (2019). A roadmap of South Dakota’s substance use involuntary commitment for professionals.