Obtaining Custody of Adult with Drug Addiction?

Question

I was wondering is it possible to obtain custody of an adult who is suffering from a substance abuse addiction. He wants to get the treatment, but the people who sell him the drugs always manage to talk him out of it and scare him. His family and I (his girlfriend) are looking for a way where his mother can obtain custody of him in regards to his health decisions only. I know that there are cases where parents take custody of their adult daughters if they suffer from anorexia or bulimia just in regards of their health problems. I was wondering if there is a law where I could do this. He is 26 years old and a resident of New Jersey.

Answer 1

In order for one to obtain custody of an adult, that adult has to be determined by a court of law to not have capacity to make his own decisions. It takes at least 2 doctors and a psychiatrist or psychologist and a court of law. This would deem him "without capacity" in every aspect of his life. You cannot pick or choose which part of his life he cannot control. Capacity is an all or nothing thing.

No one can be forced to STAY in rehab or to take their medications. They can be ordered INTO rehab but may walk out any time. If they have no capacity it would be an institution type locked facility. If he wants treatment, he needs to go into a 30-90 day rehab and get clean... drug dealers cannot go into those places to feed him drugs. Only he can get himself clean... You and his Mom will need to be there to offer TONS of support... rehab is horrible in the beginning. Then it gets better. He will hate you then he will love you for helping him.

I wish you all the luck in the world, you are all going to need it.

Answer 2

He can sign over his rights...My mom has legal power of attorney over my finances due to my eating disorder. I can also sign over my medical rights at any time.