Section 35 is a Massachusetts law that allows a qualified person to request a court order requiring someone to be civilly committed and treated involuntarily for an alcohol or substance use disorder. Involuntary commitment should be a last resort and should not be used as a tactic to get an individual into treatment. If an individual is ready to enter treatment voluntarily, there are many private and public programs that are available that can provide treatment. If an individual feels they are part of making the decision to enter treatment, they will often be more receptive to it. Outcomes are often better if an individual is motivated and willing to engage in treatment, in the least restrictive environment.
If you would like to speak to someone about the section 35 process, reach out through the connect page and we will connect you with a Family Support Specialist.
If you have decided to section a loved one, you should know that any period of abstinence creates a greater risk of overdose. Please reach out to us through the connect page to have Narcan on hand.