Challenges of Addiction Compared to Mandatory Drug Treatment

Timothy Rohan’s journey from addiction to recovery began when his mother involuntarily committed him to a drug-treatment center under Massachusetts’ Section 35 after he attempted to steal shrimp to fund his fentanyl addiction. Despite multiple relapses, Rohan credits this program with saving his life, leading to two years of sobriety and a stable family and job. As opioid and methamphetamine crises escalate, interest in compulsory treatment programs grows, with Alberta initiating Canada’s first such program. However, the approach remains controversial, with critics arguing that forced treatment is often ineffective and can be harmful.

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