Several States Have Laws Allowing Involuntary Addiction Treatment

A Kentucky law allows parents to petition the court to order involuntary drug treatment for their adult children, USA Today reports. Other concerned people may also file a petition under Casey’s Law.

Ohio has a similar law, which was enacted last year, the newspaper notes.

Kentucky’s law, which was enacted in 2004, is named for Casey Wethington, who died of a heroin overdose at the age of 23. His mother initiated the law, which is modeled after a similar measure in Florida.

Casey’s Law requires a petition showing the person is a danger to themselves or others, a court examination, and a medical evaluation by two health professionals, including a doctor.

The treatment options available under the law can range from detoxification to intensive treatment through recovery. The person seeking the involuntary treatment must pay all costs incurred in the process, as well as all cost of treatment.