A new Michigan allows families and health professionals to seek involuntary treatment for substance abusers.
The law was signed last week by Governor Rick Snyder. It establishes a procedure under which a family member or health professional can petition a judge for the forced treatment.
The court can order involuntary treatment for up to 72 hours or until a hearing occurs where there's convincing evidence of substance abuse or people appear to be a danger to themselves or others. Snyder says the bill "will help people get the treatment they need."
State law already allowed mental illness or developmental disabilities as reasons for involuntary treatment.