WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES FOR LEAVING A COURT-ORDERED DRUG & ALCOHOL TREATMENT CENTER?

By Jonathan Blecher on March 22, 2023

Leaving a drug and alcohol treatment center when court-ordered can have serious consequences, as the court has ordered the treatment as a part of a legal sentence, condition of pre-trial release or condition of probation or parole. The specific consequences can vary depending on the terms of the court order and the jurisdiction in which the order was issued.

In general, if someone leaves a drug and alcohol treatment center without completing the program, they may be found in contempt of court and may face additional legal penalties. They may also be required to return to the treatment center or to attend another treatment program.

Additionally, leaving a treatment program early can negatively impact a person’s progress in recovery and can increase their risk of relapse. It can also damage their relationships with family, friends, and employers who may have supported their recovery efforts. You may also be required to be drug/alcohol tested on probation.

It is important for individuals who are court-ordered to attend a drug and alcohol treatment program to take the program seriously and to follow through with the program’s requirements to avoid legal and personal consequences.