"Treatment does not need to be voluntary to be effective."

Strong motivation can facilitate the treatment process. Sanctions or enticements in the family, employment setting, or criminal justice system can increase significantly both treatment entry and retention rates and the success of drug treatment interventions…

The things that bring a person suffering from addiction or alcoholism into treatment and a successful recovery are as many and varied as snowflakes.

Sanctions or enticements describes a pretty broad array of inducments.

Ideally, the addict is made aware of the negative impact of his er continued use on himself and those around him, and desire to become abstinent springs magically to the fore.

Right.

Usually, someone gets in trouble - a crises situation arises, and there is no escaping the truth that it is time to quit.

The tough part about engendering willingness is that we never really know what it's going to take. Some people get arrested and being handcuffed once is enough to make them seek treatment.

Still others, regardless of previous experience, will go to any lengths to continue using, including spending stretches in jails and institutions.

We know this much: usually people think of negative consequences when they think of trying to get someone else to stop using. But what about positive ones? In fact, what about re-contextualizing the negative and creating the possibility of a positive outcome?

How do you do that? With help from Sober Champion.

We help families and business associates learn to talk to the addicts they care for, and we encourage a de-emphasis on their pathologies or character flaws. In fact, the addict is usually well aware of his deficits...a few kind words can go a long way.

Voluntary or involuntary, treatment works when two things happen: the addict expresses some willingness, and the family expresses care, concern, strength, and empathy.