"you cannot force someone to get help" is simply not true. Of course, the likelihood for success is diminished if treatment is imposed against one's will, but most states, if not all, have civil involuntary commitment laws. In many states, the maximum involuntary commitment is for 72 hours, which is the time needed for a psych evaluation to be conducted. During that time, there can be an emergency petition for guardianship and in some states, such as Virginia, there is a "substituted judgment" rule that is very much like guardianship but makes the process quicker and easier. Under this rule, a parent, close relative, or even a close friend can make decisions regarding treatment including options such as a 28 day "lock down" rehab. Virginia's law is very new, effective just this past July, and may be subject to constitutional challenges. In any case, the information you are getting is inaccurate and incomplete.
North Carolina's involuntary commitment law is N.C.G.S. § 122C-263(d)(2).