If A Drug Addict Seeks Help, Can He Be Arrested?

Drug addiction is a serious problem that affects millions of individuals and has drastic consequences for those afflicted. Understandably, there are countless people who either wish to end their addiction or help end the addiction of a loved one.

While there are several ways this can be accomplished, one of the most popular routes is to enter a specialized substance abuse program, also known as rehab. However, given the illegal status of most drugs, there are concerns many people have that if they’re admitted to a rehab center, they risk getting arrested.

While each individual situation is different, generally speaking, it’s unlikely someone risks legal action for entering a rehab program. Informational and legal protections that apply to doctors offices and hospitals also apply to rehab centers. For instance, HIPAA protections, which prevent medical staff or centers from releasing information about patients, also apply to those who have been admitted to rehab.

Officials who work for rehab centers are legally compelled to not reveal information about people who have been admitted to their centers. Despite the fact it’s unlikely rehab patients will be arrested, there are certain details to take into account.

Factors to Keep in Mind

While rehab centers have every intention to protect their patients and some legal protections exist to protect records, it’s not impossible for patient information to be revealed and a potential arrest made. If rehab patients have outstanding warrants for serious crimes, then the police will likely be looking for them and if authorities believe they’re at a particular rehab center, they can get a court order to search the center’s records.

It’s not uncommon for people who have committed significant infractions to hide out in rehab centers in order to avoid the ire of the law. Law enforcement agencies are well-aware of the fact this occurs and will not hesitate to pursue an arrest if they deem it appropriate. That being said, most people who enter rehab are only guilty of fairly minor crimes such as possession of controlled substances, which are considered not worth actively pursuing. In other words, most people who seek help for their drug addiction are unlikely to encounter legal ramifications for doing so.

Beyond the legal technicalities involved, it’s simply unlikely that authorities would interfere with someone’s drug rehabilitation. Drug addiction is a serious personal, societal, and financial issue that is almost universally considered a problem. Everyone has motivation to help people get off drugs and if there’s anything people in positions of authority can do to facilitate that, they will.

Rehab center administrators will take every action they can to help their patients overcome their addiction and wouldn’t do anything to potentially jeopardize that process, including disclosing their patients to the police. Additionally, law enforcement wants to do everything in their power to make sure the public is safe and healthy; drug addiction is an impediment to that. Despite most addictive substances being illegal, it’s no secret sending addicts to prison does extremely little to help quell their drug problem.

If given the opportunity to assist in getting people off drugs, law enforcement usually takes it. If someone is getting the help they need, the police will have little interest in interfering, since they understand both drug rehabilitation is necessary and that it aligns with their goals. If you or a loved one are concerned that rehab will end with an arrest, you shouldn’t worry.

Drug addiction is a serious problem that everyone wants to see resolved. If someone is planning to enter a rehab program to eliminate their addiction, they should be encouraged to do so and authorities will do what they can to comply with that process within reason. Even in the event that someone is encountering legal consequences related to their addiction it’s not uncommon for the courts to be sympathetic and allow individuals to enter court-sanctioned rehab programs. Some negotiating room is allowed and attorneys can work with the justice system to get their clients the help they need.

If you or someone you know is in need of drug rehabilitation services and willing to receive assistance, then don’t hesitate to contact us. We have the necessary resources and experience to help end addiction and improve quality of life.

Ready to get started? Call us today at 424-499-2603. Our counselors are available 24 hours a day.