Commitment

I'm taking a class this summer on the Diagnostic and Statistics Manual of Mental Disorders, otherwise known as the DSM-IV. It's quite fascinating to read of the different mental illnesses and case studies/symptoms. Today, I have been working on a short paper regarding voluntary and involuntary commitment to a mental health institution. We had to research the statutes on commitment in the state we live in or plan to work in. I researched the state of Maine (because whether or not I end up in Maine, I don't want to stay in Oklahoma). What I find interesting is that if a person voluntarily commits themself, they can discharge after only 16 hours. Does anyone else think that number is a little low? I mean, I know it's voluntary but still---if you are putting yourself in a mental institution, what good is 16 hours going to do? Someone explain this to me. I had a client once who voluntarily admitted himself to detox. (Yes, I know drug/alcohol detox is way different than mental health, but go with it...) He mainly admitted himself to get his family, and me, off his case for a while. He didn't stay but maybe 24 hours then left, against medical advice, and of course was right back to using/drug seeking. Let's put the word "commitment" to good use and if someone enters treatment, let's COMMIT to a little more than 16 hours of care.
Yes, I'm rambling. No one cares what I say on this blog. And yes, if you must know, I'm procrastinating doing my next section of homework. Am I commited to my education? No, not today. :-)