Would you bail cousin out of jail?

of course i would in order to check them into rehab at least he will be safe in rehab

I have helped both addicts and their families for the last five years. NO! I would not bail any addict out of jail. Any action has consequences. This is the consequence of his actions. His addiction is not really even a major point, although it has a strong effect on everything he does or says. Jail can give him time to 'sober up' a bit, hopefully enough to ask for help and accept it. Bailing the addicted out expecting them to willingly go to rehab very rarely happens. Most times they simply return to their DOC and continue the lifestyle of the addicted. Court ordered rehab doesn't always work, but it does plant an idea. Voluntary rehab which is what it would be without a court order is one they can leave at any time. Addicts run from consequences as a matter of course. Their addiction stems from avoiding dealing with issues, consequences. If you truly want to help the addicted, don't bail them out. Let them face the consequences, hope or beg the court to offer them rehab. They may say they hate you for not bailing them out, but that is only the addict speaking, not the person you once knew.

Yes, jail would be better for him. But I have to ask what does the rest of the family think? Is your aunt or uncle expecting you to pay? Taking care of one's family is a hard job. We did bail out a cousin once, never did see that money again. But he did straighten up his life.