Get Answers and Effective Support on Probation at Changes
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Navigating probation can be difficult, whether it’s your first time on probation or you have some experience. One of the most important rules is to avoid alcohol, drugs, and anything that might cause legal troubles. If you’ve been battling with substance use disorder and looking for support, you might be wondering, “Can you go to rehab on probation?”
Yes, you absolutely can attend rehab while on probation. Abstaining from drugs and alcohol is an important stipulation of staying on probation and avoiding jail time. Having rehab as a resource, whether you opt for inpatient rehab, outpatient programs, or a combination, makes abstinence a little bit easier.
At Changes Healing Center, we understand the importance of giving our clients the skills and support for long-term recovery, both during probation and once the probation period has ended.
In this blog guide, we’ll answer some questions about rehab while on probation, what to expect, and how to choose a treatment program that promotes ongoing sobriety.
Can You Go to Rehab on Probation?
You can attend rehab while on probation. Not only is attending rehab generally encouraged but attendance at an addiction treatment program while on probation may be required.
Consequences for violating the terms of your rehab can be severe. If an addicted person fails to meet the terms of probation there can be legal consequences ranging from additional charges to jail time. Failing to meet the terms of probation can lead to a probation violation hearing, where a judge will determine the consequences.
With so much on the line, alcohol and drug rehab at Changes Healing Center can be a very useful tool for individuals on probation. As you learn the skills to combat alcohol or drug cravings, healthily handle life stresses, and develop social skills and support, sobriety becomes easier.
Why Support for Recovery from Drug Abuse During Probation is Important
One of the most important rules to follow during probation or parole is to stay away from drugs and alcohol. It’s not uncommon for your probation officer to administer a drug test at random times to ensure you are following the terms of probation.
Even drinking or using drugs one time constitutes violating probation and can lead to severe consequences. However, even with the risk of consequences hanging over your head, it doesn’t necessarily make it easier to quit. Medical research tells us that addiction is a serious disease that affects the pleasure and reward center of your brain. Over time, drug and alcohol dependence happens because you need more of your preferred substance to experience the same effects.
What to Expect During Court-Ordered Drug Rehab
In some cases, individuals who commit drug-related crimes while under the influence may be required to attend rehab while on probation. The main difference between rehab that is court-ordered and voluntary rehab is the reason you are attending the program. Additionally, there might be specific probation requirements like getting mental health counseling, attending support groups, and discussing treatment progress with your probation officer. Court-ordered rehab often includes mandatory drug treatment programs designed to help individuals overcome addiction.
The specifics of a rehab program vary depending on the treatment facility and the needs of the individual. At our behavioral health facility, we offer inpatient addiction treatment, mental health support, and outpatient treatment in the form of various therapies and groups. You can attend court-ordered rehab at Changes and it will meet the criteria of getting addiction treatment.
Why Might a Court Order Rehab Instead of Jail?
Court ordered rehab in the state of Arizona happens most often in cases where an individual’s substance abuse problems are directly related to their charges, especially if there is a criminal history stemming from substance use. This might include DUI/OVI, assault while intoxicated, possession or distribution of substances, or other drug-related offenses.
A criminal defense attorney can advocate for rehab instead of jail by presenting evidence of the individual’s commitment to overcoming addiction.
Research on the legal system shows that jail time isn’t always an effective punishment for a drug-related crime. Prison inmates may have access to drugs while incarcerated. Plus, even if an addicted individual stays sober in jail, there’s an increased risk of drug use after incarceration, which can lead to becoming a re-offender.
Court ordered drug rehab, on the other hand, gives an individual tools to overcome addiction. There is also an opportunity to discuss triggers for substance use, treat mental illness, and build a strong support system, life skills, and healthy lifestyle habits that will prevent relapse even after the probation period.
What if I Can’t Pay for My Court-Ordered Rehab?
At Changes, we believe that money should never be the thing that stops addicted individuals from seeking treatment. Our rehab facility works with several types of health insurance to cover rehab expenses and may even offer payment programs for qualified clients. Additionally, with so many inpatient and outpatient resources, we can help tailor a program to fit your unique needs and budget.
You also may be able to attend rehabilitation programs at a state-funded rehab center. At these facilities, treatment specialists will help you meet the stipulations of court-ordered treatment. These facilities are not always free, either, though, and the level of care is rarely Joint Commission accredited or even evidence-based as are our offerings Changes.
What Basic Rules Have to Be Followed on Probation or Parole?
While the set rules and guidelines may vary depending on jurisdiction, there are a few standard stipulations. For example, you cannot use illegal substances while on probation or parole. In some cases, you also may not be allowed to drink alcohol.
The rules may vary depending on whether the individual is on misdemeanor or felony probation.
There may also be other terms of probation depending on the specifics of your case. For example, participating in community service, living in sober housing, employment, staying out of legal trouble, and meeting with your parole officer regularly may all be requirements for remaining on parole.
What Happens if I Use Drugs During Probation?
In most cases, using drugs during probation is going to result in incarceration. When a person fails a drug test, they are breaking the stipulations of their probation. A judge may issue a warning, but many times breaking probation means that you’ll face legal consequences for your original charges.
Failing a drug test for alcohol or drugs can result in a court date where the judge will determine the next steps. This might involve paying fines or going to jail immediately. Some people are also not allowed to drink while on probation.
Can My Probation Officer Send Me To Jail?
If you test positive on a drug test, commit another drug-related crime, or fail to meet other probation conditions, your probation officer will inform the issuing judge of your probation violation. They may even ask for a warrant to be issued for your arrest. Additionally, the probation officer may request an arrest warrant if the individual fails to meet probation conditions.
While the judge ultimately decides whether to issue a warning or send you to jail, your probation officer can make recommendations that contribute heavily to their decision.
What Are the Benefits of Seeking Substance Abuse Treatment During Probation?
Many people with substance use disorder continue to struggle with substance abuse issues throughout their lives. While going to an addiction treatment center like ours will help, it’s equally important to work the program and follow through with aftercare once you’ve left the recovery program.
In some cases, involuntary drug rehab may be considered as an alternative to jail for individuals who are unable to seek treatment voluntarily.
The primary benefits of rehab while on probation are the recovery skills that you will learn. Mental and behavioral health treatment at our rehab facility teaches clients more about harmful thought patterns and habits that contribute to addiction. By identifying these patterns, clients learn triggers to drug and alcohol use- a tool that is very useful for relapse prevention.
Additionally, as you attend support groups and connect with like-minded individuals, it becomes easier to develop healthy social relationships and support. Addiction affects entire communities and it is good to know that you are not alone in your struggles.
Can You Go to Rehab on Probation: Inpatient vs Outpatient Rehab
Deciding between inpatient and outpatient treatment options depends on your situation. For individuals required to maintain employment as part of probation, for example, attending inpatient drug rehab centers makes holding a job harder. In this case, a partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient program may have benefits. Sober living facilities are another option.
Additionally, probation departments might require following up with outpatient treatment even after completing a rehab program. This might include attending 12 step support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous programs, or alternatives like SMART Recovery, continuing therapy, and regular drug testing.
What Other Support is There for Overcoming Drug Addiction During Probation?
Even after completing detox at our facility, abstaining from alcohol and drug abuse is hard. This is why it’s so important to establish proper support during addiction treatment. The support and skills established at rehab while on probation build the foundation for continued sobriety after graduating from drug court. Probation violations can lead to additional support requirements, such as attending more frequent therapy sessions or support groups.
During individual and group therapy, you’ll develop skills that promote long-term recovery and build social skills that will help with developing healthy relationships. Therapy is also an effective way to identify and treat underlying mental illnesses that may contribute to alcohol and drug abuse.
Furthermore, we provide recovery support through mental health treatment, dual diagnosis treatment approaches that address the underlying causes of substance use, and the development of life skills. After treatment, we also help sober people access groups like Narcotics or Alcoholics Anonymous in your local area that will provide support after you’ve completed rehab.
Getting Rehab Instead of Jail for Probation Violations: What Happens After I’ve Completed Treatment?
What happens after treatment at our rehab center depends on the specifics of your situation. Inpatient clients may attend an intensive outpatient program, partial hospitalization program, or sober housing.
After attending rehab, programs like these make the transition from inpatient treatment to real life easier.
Get Support to Complete Probation Successfully at Changes
Whether you are seeking substance abuse treatment on your own or as a part of a court-ordered rehab program, our team at Changes Healing Center in the Phoenix Valley is ready to help you overcome addiction. The decision to detox and stay sober is yours alone, but once you’ve made that decision, we can help!
After reaching out, someone from our accredited treatment facility will answer any questions you have and work with you to come up with a treatment plan tailored to your specific situation and needs. We can even report back to your probation officer so they are aware of progress.
We have many clients who have successfully completed detox and addiction treatment at Changes. Call us to learn about treatment options that will help you on the road to recovery today!
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