Pending legislation for mandating drug addiction treatment for teens

Online, March 18, 2010 (Newswire.com) - A grieving mom from New York has enlisted the help of state Senator Brian Foley to help bring awareness of teen drug abuse to the forefront of the government. Sen. Brian Foley is sponsoring a bill called 'Denise's Law' designed to increase parental control when it comes to enrolling minor children in drug addiction treatment.

Under current law, children under the age of 18 can check themselves out of drug rehab. If Denise's Law is passed, however, it would allow parents as well as guardians to obtain court orders, remanding their children back into treatment programs, regardless of the child's desire to continue.
Professionals at Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center in Connecticut and New York feel this step might only be moderately beneficial to families. "We are in complete support of any action that helps an individual overcome his or her dependence on drugs and alcohol. The only caution we would issue is that it has been our experience that successful, prolonged recovery is generally seen in individuals who have personally expressed a desire to enter into a drug rehab program and have participated in that program on their own free will."
Many 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous firmly believe that an individual must hit their personal "rock bottom" in order to understand the gravity of their choices and be willing to undergo treatment for their addiction. The professionals have Mountainside have noted that where many people enter treatment with varying degrees of willingness that the ultimate successful treatment, and recovery depends on an individual's commitment and willingness. "We certainly aren't saying that mandating drug rehab can't be effective. An unwilling individual could enter into treatment and, through the course of their evaluation and duration of stay, end up a motivated, willing participant. That would certainly be our goal and the optimal outcome of such a situation and we do everything we can to nurture that desire."
Senator Foley has promised that this bill would help remove "road blocks" for families trying to help their children.
Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center is a comprehensive and innovative provider of treatment for individuals suffering from drug addiction and alcoholism.
Mountainside's licensed and certified counselors, social workers and clinical treatment team and staff are dedicated to providing an unsurpassed treatment experience to its clients. With diverse areas of expertise, the treatment team works collaboratively with each client and their family to ensure that an individualized treatment plan is designed that will treat not just the symptoms, but the whole individual. With professionalism and compassion, each client is guided through every stage of recovery and encouraged to participate in a wide variety of evidence-based and cutting edge innovative treatment options.
In addition to its licensed and credentialed counselors, social workers and clinical staff, Mountainside's medical services include our Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Registered Nurse with specialization in drug addiction and alcoholism treatment. Psychiatric services are available when needed.
If you or someone you love is in need of treatment or if you have questions please contact us at: 800-762-5433.