[How voluntary must treatment of addicted patients be?].
As for each medical treatment the principle of voluntariness also applies to the therapy of drug addicts. Indeed, under current drug influence or in an acute withdrawal situation a free will decision could not be possible. Also an excessive drug consumption over a longer period of time can lead to a severe personality disturbances. But from an--unreasonable--drug abuse one cannot conclude a general inability for making decisions of free will. For this reason the expressed will of the drug addict remains decisive. This applies also to juvenile addicts. Besides, one has to call in the parents as legal representatives. In case of consent to the therapy one should not be very exacting on the internal therapy readiness). It can also be awoken within the course of therapy (therapy to the therapy readiness). In case of a briefing in a withdrawal or penal institution a readiness to therapy is not required. But then there is only a state-obligation to offer therapies; for the single therapeutic measure the right of self-determination of the drug addict is further on valid.
Ostendorf
Heribert
H
Forschungsstelle für Jugendstrafrecht und Kriminalprävention, Universität Kiel.
D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D007872:Legal Guardians; D016743:Mental Competency / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D009042:Motivation; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*
Wie freiwillig muss die Behandlung Süchtiger sein?