How to Talk to a Doctor About Substance Use Disorder
If you’re living with addiction, talking to a doctor can be one of the first steps toward sobriety. While it can be difficult to open up to others about substance use disorder, doing so can provide you with support and connect you with the resources you need to begin your recovery.
Here, we’ll explore everything you need to know about when to talk to your doctor about addiction, what you can expect during those conversations, how HIPAA protects what you share with your doctor, and how you can begin the process of getting the help you deserve.
When to Discuss Substance Use & Addiction With Your Doctor
Any time is the right time to talk with your doctor about addiction.1 You do not need to make a special appointment.
While many people feel anxiety about discussing substance misuse with a healthcare professional, it’s important to remember that your provider is there to offer nonjudgmental, empathetic support. You are not the first person who has talked to your doctor about addiction, and you will not be the last. If you or a loved one are showing signs that it’s time for rehab, your initial conversation with your doctor will likely feel like a relief and confirm that you’re doing the right thing.
If you do prefer to talk with your doctor during a pre-scheduled appointment, you can do that, too. This can include during your regularly scheduled wellness exams, during medication checks, or even during a sick visit.
What to Expect When Talking to Your Doctor About Addiction
If you’re nervous about discussing addiction with your healthcare provider, you’re not alone. It’s normal to feel scared, unsure, and even intimidated, especially when you’re not sure whether your current substance use fits the definition of addiction.
However, keep this in mind – your doctor is trained to discuss substance misuse with patients, and they aren’t there to degrade or lecture you.2 Instead, they will likely ask you questions to understand more about your drug or alcohol use and will talk with you about what some of your first steps might be. Your doctor will also answer your questions about rehab success rates, what to expect during treatment, and more.
Is Talking to My Doctor About Substance Use Confidential?
Yes, talking with your doctor about substance use is confidential, and your doctor is legally required to keep your health information private.3 This includes conversations about substance misuse, illegal drugs, and addiction.3
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requires doctors and other care providers to keep protected health information (including conversations you have about your health during your appointments) private. Your doctor is there to prioritize your health above all else and is required to keep your information confidential.
Can My Doctor Turn Me into the Police for Drug Use?
The only way a medical professional is legally permitted to turn a patient into the police is if the patient is an immediate danger to themselves or others, or if they are presented with a warrant or court order requiring them to share health information.4 Your doctor is there to help you get well—not further complicate your life or make it difficult for you to begin recovery.
How to Get Into Drug and Alcohol Rehab
Talking to your doctor or reaching out to a treatment facility directly can help you begin the process of getting into drug and alcohol rehab. Also, if you are helping a loved one with addiction, encouraging a conversation with a medical professional can also be the first step to getting them the care they need.
Your doctor will work with you to understand your needs and recommend an appropriate course of care, or refer you to a specialist. You will learn more about the various levels of addiction treatment available, and get help determining which one makes the most sense for you.
Common levels of addiction treatment include:
- Medical detox: Your care provider may recommend that you get medical help to manage withdrawal symptoms at a medical detox center.5
- Inpatient addiction treatment: During inpatient treatment, you’ll live at the care facility while you learn skills and strategies integral to recovery.5
- Outpatient addiction treatment programs: There are several types of outpatient treatment programs, including partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient addiction treatment programs, and standard outpatient treatment, all of which can provide recovery support on a flexible schedule.5
- Aftercare (which may include sober living): Your care provider will work with you to develop an aftercare plan that will support your recovery after you complete inpatient or outpatient treatment.5
Start the Recovery Journey Today
Whether you’re exploring treatment options for yourself or are finding out more about rehab after talking to someone about their alcohol consumption or drug consumption, the team at American Addiction Centers is here to help. Our admissions navigators can walk you through the process of choosing a rehab facility, help you learn about using health insurance to pay for rehab, verify your insurance benefits, and more.
Reach out to an admissions navigator at American Addiction Centers today at to learn more about starting your recovery.