A new law aimed at helping people fighting addiction took effect April 1, 2018. Ricky's Law is named after Ricky Garcia, a suicide survivor and former drug addict. Involuntary commitment was solely allowed for psychiatric treatment in Washington, and not chemical dependency. This legislation that will make it easier for parents and families of drug and alcohol addicted adults and adolescents to get their family member into treatment. It would allow involuntary treatment for up to 72 hours which is enough time, in many cases, to get a someone evaluated and resources organized for their care.
The legislation approved immediately provides about a half million dollars in funding for training to the people who currently detain for mental health commitments. The first facility designated for involuntary commitment for substance abuse would be built in 2018. The bill gives the state until 2026 to fully implement that plan.
"So the big victory today is that we will now have a mechanism by which a family member or friend can involuntarily commit somebody who is essentially dying of their addiction," said Lauren Davis, friend of Ricky Garcia.