When someone commits a crime related to substance abuse, court-ordered rehab may be mandated as part of the charges. According to a survey from the Federal Bureau of Justice Statistics:
- 45% of prisoners report a history of substance abuse
- 26% say they were under the influence of drugs or alcohol when they committed a federal offense
- 18% report that they committed crimes to feed their addiction
Since substance abuse can have a significant correlation with crime, many clinical studies and governing bodies have investigated alternative sentencing options that could help.
Court-mandated rehab offers another way to help those who’ve committed crimes to recover, whether it’s used instead of incarceration or part of a sentence that includes jail time.
How does court-ordered addiction treatment work? Is it effective? We’ll cover what you should know in this article to understand the ins and outs of the process.
What Is Court-Ordered Rehab?
Court-ordered rehab is a form of legal sentencing that requires someone to attend an addiction treatment program. Depending on the crime and the individual’s criminal history, the sentence could mean going to rehab instead of jail or getting sentenced to both rehab and jail time.
Usually, court-ordered rehab is given for non-violent crimes that involve substance use. Common instances where you’ll see this sentence given out are for DUI/DWI or drug possession.
Court-ordered treatment was designed to offer legal help for addiction. It’s not meant just as a punishment for committing crimes. Those who are sentenced to rehab still receive genuine medical care, therapy, and guidance with the intent of helping them make a full recovery from addiction.
A review from the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment showed that court-mandated addiction treatment can be effective. The review mentioned that even though those sentenced to treatment showed more resistance at the beginning, they tended to have higher completion rates than those who opted for treatment voluntarily.
Who Can Be Sent to Court-Ordered Rehab?
After committing a crime, some may wonder how to get court-ordered rehab or who is eligible for this sentence. Typically, a drug court treatment program is recommended when the individual has:
- Committed a non-violent crime, especially any related to substance abuse
- Has no violent criminal history
- Has an apparent substance abuse problem
This sentence is most often given to first-time offenders. Even if the charges are all non-violent, those with a more extended criminal history are more likely to get jail time as part of their sentence. However, a reduced jail sentence with court-ordered rehab may be recommended by the judge in those cases if there’s clear evidence of substance abuse causing problems.
Before the court-ordered rehab sentence is given, an evaluation and assessment of the individual will be completed. That’ll include getting a diagnosis of substance use disorder (SUD) and evaluating the individual’s stability and well-being.
How Does the Process Work?
The court must complete a detailed process before recommending rehab. That includes:
- Initial arrest and court hearing: After the individual is arrested, they’ll have a court hearing to plead their case before a judge. The judge will evaluate the sentencing options to determine which is the right fit based on the crime committed, the role substance abuse played, and the individual’s criminal history.
- Substance abuse assessment: The court often requires a substance abuse assessment when considering a court-ordered rehab sentence. An assessment will diagnose SUD and evaluate the individual’s treatment needs.
- Recommendation for rehab: When the judge determines that the individual meets the necessary criteria, they’ll recommend rehab. Typically, the judge’s court order will include the type of program the individual must attend and the program duration. However, the individual can usually choose the facility where they’ll receive treatment if it fits those parameters.
- Completion of treatment: Once the court order is filed, the individual will attend the designated treatment program. The treatment team at the facility will send reports to court officials to ensure attendance and completion of the program. Completion may be required to avoid jail, reduce the sentence, or fulfill probation.
Failure to complete treatment after sentencing could lead to legal consequences, such as incarceration, additional charges, stricter probation, or fines.
What to Expect in Court-Ordered Rehab?
When you choose Genesis House for court-ordered rehab, our program includes:
- Medical detox (when necessary): When someone has struggled with SUD for an extended time, they’ll likely experience withdrawal symptoms after they stop using the substance. A medical detox will provide 24/7 support to keep you as safe and comfortable as possible as the drugs leave your system.
- Therapy: Both individual and group therapy may be used during treatment programs. It offers an opportunity to work on underlying issues contributing to addiction, connect with others, and build coping skills to manage life’s stresses without using drugs or alcohol.
- Life skills training: Building life skills can help manage addiction and foster success after leaving the treatment facility. This can include managing difficult emotions like anger and stress, problem-solving skills, building healthy self-care routines, communication, and employment coaching.
- Dual-diagnosis care (when applicable): Dual-diagnosis care provides treatment for any underlying conditions contributing to addiction, such as mental health or other health conditions like chronic pain. Studies show that treating SUD and underlying conditions simultaneously leads to better results.
Clients are held accountable for attendance, participation, and behavior during court-ordered treatment. Regular reports are sent to the court or probation officer to monitor and ensure adherence.
Benefits of Court-Ordered Rehab
Court-ordered rehab can be a powerful alternative to traditional sentencing, offering individuals the chance to rebuild their lives instead of simply serving time. Rather than focusing solely on punishment, these programs prioritize rehabilitation, personal growth, and long-term change. For many facing substance-related charges, it’s a unique opportunity to break free from addiction, gain essential life skills, and build a healthier future. By addressing the root causes of criminal behavior and offering structured support, court-mandated treatment often proves more effective than incarceration in promoting lasting recovery and reducing recidivism.
A Chance to Address Root Causes of Criminal Behavior
Rather than simply punishing someone for a crime they committed, court-ordered rehab offers a real opportunity for healing and addressing the underlying causes. Skills and healing achieved in rehab can reduce crime rates. Reports from the drug court system suggest that court-ordered rehab programs can reduce crime by up to 45% more than other sentencing options.
Avoid or Reduce Jail Time
Court-mandated rehab offers an alternative sentencing option for non-violent criminals. Reducing or avoiding jail time while providing well-rounded care can help facilitate recovery for those going through a rough patch.
Gain Life Skills and Emotional Stability
The skills built during treatment help set participants up for success. For example, learning effective communication strategies can help someone develop and maintain a positive social circle after they leave treatment and manage problems they face in daily life at work or school.
Create a New Path Toward Sobriety
Court-mandated rehab encourages change. While it starts as mandatory and there can be some resistance to participation at first, many who attend experience real transformation that changes their life for the better.
How Genesis House Supports Court-Ordered Clients
At Genesis House, we understand the unique challenges of a court-ordered rehab sentence, and we’re here to make the process as smooth and supportive as possible.
Our experienced team works closely with attorneys, probation officers, and the legal system to ensure that every requirement is met with care and professionalism. We provide:
- Pre-sentencing intake assessments to assist with legal proceedings
- Regular progress reports, documentation, and discharge summaries sent directly to the appropriate officials
- Compassionate, individualized treatment tailored to meet both clinical needs and court mandates
Recovery is a right, not a privilege. Whether you or a loved one is entering treatment, we’re committed to helping every client build a solid foundation for lasting sobriety, healing, and a brighter future.
Conclusion
Court-ordered rehab isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a second chance. For many, it becomes a turning point that leads to lasting recovery, personal growth, and a healthier future.
If you or a loved one is navigating legal challenges and needs support, Genesis House is here to help. From the moment you reach out, we’ll guide you through the court-ordered rehab process with compassion, experience, and care.
Contact us today to learn more about admissions, treatment options, and how we can support your journey toward recovery and renewal.
References
- Federal Alternative-To-Incarceration Court Programs. United States Sentencing Commission, https://www.ussc.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/research-and-publications/research-publications/2017/20170928_alternatives.pdf
- Coviello, Donna M., et al. “Does Mandating Offenders to Treatment Improve Completion Rates?” Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, vol. 44, no. 4, Apr. 2013, pp. 417–425, doi:10.1016/j.jsat.2012.10.003. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3578041/
- Iqbal, Muhammad N., et al. “Treatment for Substance Use Disorder with Co-Occurring Mental Illness.” FOCUS, vol. 17, no. 2, Apr. 2019, pp. 88–97, doi:10.1176/appi.focus.20180042. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6526999/
- “What is Drug Court?” Wasecacounty.gov, https://www.wasecacounty.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4517/Drug-Court-Informational-Brochure1?bidId=
