A concerned mom wrote to Dr. Michael Levy of the Eagle-Tribune (North Andover, Massachusetts), seeking advice regarding her son who has struggled with substance abuse for several years. Now that he's almost 18, and nothing has worked, mom is wondering what else she can do. Dr. Levy responds:

"First, you can petition the court to commit him to inpatient treatment for his alcohol and drug use... If the judge believes that your son's use of drugs and alcohol is so severe that it is endangering his life, the judge can order a commitment not to exceed 30 days so he can get treatment."

Dr. Levy acknowledged that while programs like Alcoholics Anonymous are excellent, they don't work for everyone. He also stressed the importance of getting whatever help is available for the woman's son. Source: Eagle-Tribune (MA)

Labels: courts, treatment, young_adults