Going to Rehab Before Court Date

Can You Go to Rehab Before Your Court Date?

Amongst drug users, committing crimes is not uncommon, especially if they are related to acquiring and using drugs or alcohol. If you are experiencing legal pressure or have a criminal record as a result of a drug problem, it is important to know how you manage this situation.

Those who are facing charges for drug-related crimes often wonder if they will be able to seek treatment for their drug or alcohol abuse. While it is beneficial to attend rehab for drug addiction, many feel like this may complicate their legal situation.

On the flip side, you may have also gotten a DUI or drunk driving charge, and wonder about the wisdom of seeking help before your court date.

In order to successfully address both substance abuse and responsibilities within the criminal justice system, it is important to understand the potential challenges and benefits that come with seeking treatment with pending charges.

Keep reading to get details on what going to rehab before court date proceedings can do to help ease your sentence and keep you out of jail or prison!

Why Rehab is a Better Alternative than Jail

Many people who struggle with chronic substance use are at a greater risk of committing petty or violent crimes. According to the Department of Justice, drug users are significantly more likely to engage in criminal activity than those who do not struggle with substance abuse.

When a person realizes that their substance use disorder is instigating their violent and criminal tendencies, they are more likely to begin seeking treatment. For many people with drug offenses, entering rehab can be much more beneficial than spending time in jail or prison.

Professional addiction treatment environments offer the emotional support and structure necessary to achieve sobriety and begin living a better life. This includes physical and mental health support, addiction education and prevention services, and much more.

Support Systems and Achieving Lasting Recovery

Some drug rehab programs also help their clients access essential resources, such as housing and job placement, once they have successfully completed treatment. In comparison to the benefits that come with rehabilitation, jail does not offer a conducive environment for recovery.

Most prisons do not provide comprehensive care for managing drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms, nor do they help individuals address the personal circumstances that may be contributing to their substance abuse.

In many cases, prisoners are able to smuggle in illicit substances or acquire prescription drugs that are then distributed in secret. With this accessibility, maintaining sobriety in a stressful and triggering environment becomes even more difficult.

With the high chances for recidivism, homelessness, and financial instability amongst individuals with a criminal record, being able to attend rehab instead of going to jail or prison is always a better option.

Attending Drug or Alcohol Rehab with Pending Charges

In some situations, voluntarily seeking substance abuse treatment can have a positive influence on their legal proceedings, as this shows that they are committed to addressing their addiction problems and resulting criminal behavior.

Of course, it is important to speak with your legal professionals before you make any decisions about attending rehab while you have pending charges, as the circumstances and flexibility surrounding this decision can vary based on your specific situation.

What Does the Court Process Look Like?

It is important to understand the court process before you begin checking yourself into rehab with pending charges. Some courts, particularly drug courts, will order a drug rehabilitation program for drug or alcohol-related crimes in favor of prison or jail time.

Of course, you may need to undergo a screening process through the legal system to determine whether you are eligible for court-mandated rehab. This can be requested by your legal team, family members, or other concerned loved ones who believe that your alcohol or drug abuse is a contributing factor to your criminal behavior.

The Importance of Having an Attorney

Whether you are facing criminal charges for drug possession, use, intoxicated driving, or other related activities, it is important to have an attorney you can trust to help you navigate the court process and get help for your drug or alcohol problem.

Your attorney will be able to help you verify your court dates, communicate with the judge and other legal officials, and even help get a probationary sentence or custodial sentence instead of jail time for your drug offenses.

Your attorney will have a crucial role to play in helping you get a court order to seek treatment, so it is important to communicate with them openly and honestly throughout your court proceedings.

How to Interact with the Criminal Justice System

While having an attorney can certainly help you navigate the court system more easily, it is important to know what steps you can take on your own to make your proceedings smoother. When you decide to enter rehab with pending charges, this can have various consequences, both bad and good.

Choosing to attend a rehab program while you are facing charges can have a positive influence on your legal outcomes, as it shows your judge that you are committed to living a better lifestyle. This can influence them to make a more favorable decision regarding your punishment.

However, it is important to only check into a rehab facility with your court’s approval. Doing so without first doing a screening investigation and getting permission can be considered a violation of your probationary or other court-imposed conditions.

Choosing the Right Treatment Program

If you are able to attend a court-ordered rehab program, it is important to do your research ahead of time and choose a treatment option that is right for you. Some rehab facilities will offer services that may not be available at other programs.

This is why it can help to know what your recovery needs and preferences are before choosing a specific program. Some of the most common treatment options you will have to choose from include:

Inpatient vs Outpatient Treatment

The two primary types of treatment are inpatient and outpatient programs. Inpatient rehab treatment involves staying at a rehab center while you are recovering so that you can receive round-the-clock, intensive care.

Outpatient treatment, however, offers more flexible but less intensive care. When participating in an outpatient program, you will attend regular counseling sessions during the day, while returning home at night and maintaining the ability to take care of your day-to-day routine.

Both treatment options can help address your addiction issues and guide you on the road to recovery. When choosing which option is right for you, it is important to consider the severity of your addiction, your personal and financial situation, and your own treatment desires.

Therapy and Medication Management

In addition to inpatient and outpatient care, addiction can be effectively treated with a combination of therapy and medication. Therapy can help you understand the underlying causes of your addiction and develop coping mechanisms to avoid relapse.

Meanwhile, medication can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for you to stay sober. What medications will work best for you can vary depending on your specific substance use disorder, and whether you have any co-occurring conditions.

In terms of therapy, there are many different treatments that can be effective for addiction management and recovery. Some of the most common include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people identify and change the negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their addiction.
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) teaches people skills to manage their emotions and cope with stress.
• Motivational interviewing (MI) helps people explore their reasons for wanting to change and develop a plan for maintaining long-term recovery.
• Recovery support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and other secular alternative organizations can help individuals stay committed to their sobriety and connect with other people who are on their own recovery journey. .

The Importance of Aftercare for Long Term Recovery

Addiction recovery does not end once you leave rehab. This is a life-long commitment that requires consistent effort and care to maintain. This is why aftercare is so important in the recovery process.

Particularly when your treatment is a part of your drug court agreements, it is essential to have a plan in place to maintain your sobriety once you complete treatment. This can include seeing a therapist, joining a peer support group, doing community service, and several other activities.

Going to Rehab Before Court Date: What is the Cost?

When seeking treatment during the court process, one of the concerns you may be faced with is how you are going to afford the costs of care. How much your treatment will cost can vary depending on the type of treatment, the length of your rehab program, and the location of the facility.

With that being said, there are ways that you can make getting the help you need more affordable. This can include:

• Private insurance: Most private insurance plans will cover at least a portion of substance abuse treatment, if not all of your expenses. The amount of coverage can vary based on your policy and treatment needs, so it is important to speak with your healthcare providers ahead of time.
• Medicaid: Medicaid is a government health insurance program for low-income individuals and families that may cover a portion of your substance abuse treatment costs if you qualify.
• Medicare: This government health insurance program offers coverage for people over the age of 65 and those with certain disabilities. Medicare covers some substance abuse treatment, but the coverage varies depending on the type of treatment and the plan.
• State-funded programs: Some states offer state-funded programs that provide addiction treatment to low-income individuals and families that are struggling with drug use.
• Financial assistance: There are a number of organizations that offer financial assistance for addiction treatment. These organizations may offer grants, loans, or scholarships to help people pay for treatment.

No matter how you choose to pay for your treatment, it is important to know that the costs of your care will be well worth it for the chance to live a happier, healthier, and sober life. You can speak with the Rehabs Of Armerica team today to learn more about your payment options.

Managing Your Addiction During the Legal Process

While you are still dealing with the legal consequences of your actions and navigating the court system, it can take some time to actually get started in your treatment program.

This is why it is important to know how to prevent relapse and stay on track with managing your addiction in the meantime.

Relapse Prevention Tips

For those who are facing pending charges for a drug-related crime, relapse prevention is a crucial part of their addiction recovery and legal experience. Whether actively participating in treatment or proceeding through the court process, many individuals will be required to undergo regular drug testing and monitoring to make sure they are complying with their court regulations.

Depending on your circumstances, you may also be offered support in the form of peer support groups, community service activities, and other options that can prevent relapse and help you navigate your substance abuse and legal challenges.

There are also several things you can do on your own to maintain sobriety, including eating regular, balanced meals, practicing self-care, getting regular exercise, and building a healthy support system.

Get Proven Rehab Options Before Your Court Date Now!

If you or a loved one is struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction and are ready to seek treatment, Rehabs Of Armerica is here to help. We work with an extensive network of treatment programs nationwide and can help you find a rehab facility that is capable of addressing all of your recovery needs.

Your path to a better life is just a phone call away. We will answer all of your treatment questions and connect you with the resources you need to start your recovery process. So make the right choice and reach out now to get started!

Edward P.

Edward lives and works in South Florida and has been a part of its recovery community for many years. With a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Massachusetts, he works to help Find Addiction Rehabs as both a writer and marketer. Edward loves to share his passion for the field through writing about addiction topics, effective treatment for addiction, and behavioral health as a whole. Alongside personal experience, Edward has deep connections to the mental health treatment industry, having worked as a medical office manager for a psychiatric consortium for many years.