In November 2011, Ohio Legislature passed a law that a spouse, relative or guardian to request that a loved one be forced to undergo treatment for his or her addiction – also known as “Casey’s Law” There is criteria that must be met before the involuntary treatment can be ordered.  They must suffer from alcohol or drug abuse, present an imminent danger or imminent threat of danger to themselves or others and they must reasonably benefit from the treatment.

How do you obtain this?  The family member must file a petition with the probate court  asking that involuntary treatment be ordered. The petition must include a physician’s certification stating the individual is a danger or imminent danger and that the individual would benefit from treatment. The physician must also include a recommendation as to how long and what type of treatment is needed. If the individual refuses to be examined by a physician, the physician’s certification can be waived.

What do you need to provide?  The person requesting the forced treatment must agree to cover all treatment costs and must pay half of the bill in advance. The petitioner is also required to pay court fees and the cost of the physician’s examination. Treatment must be provided through a certified alcohol and drug addiction program or by certain licensed professionals.

The good and the bad:  Critics of the this law contend being required to pay for treatment costs will prevent low-income individuals from seeking help for a loved one and that it violates one of the central beliefs of alcohol or drug addiction recovery — that the individual must want to undergo treatment.  Proponents argue that an individual suffering from addiction is too consumed by the drug to make an informed decision and that compelling addicts to detoxify may help them decide to seek help.

Background of Casey’s Law: Casey Wethington, son of Charlotte and Jim Wethington, died of a heroin overdose at University Hospital in Cincinnati. The bitter news came after what seemed an eternity as young Casey fought a long, unrelenting and robust battle with his disease. He really wanted to win, but his damaged brain and distorted thinking made it impossible. In the end, the ugly, unforgiving scourge of drug addiction had claimed another victim.

The Bottom Line:   Drug addiction is a disease, a socially unacceptable disease, one that will not be cured by jail. Incarceration is not treatment.  Because of the law, parents, relatives, and/or friends who have a loved one with a substance use disorder—at least now—have legal means to help stop a tragedy from happening, regardless of their loved one’s age and without criminal charges.  Please call me, I can help with your situation.  513-260-2099