Confidential Addiction Help

Where Can I Find Confidential Addiction Help?

When it comes to recovering from a substance use disorder, finding private and confidential treatment options can be of the utmost importance. Having to worry about other people’s opinions or judgments can make getting the help you need feel impossible.

Fortunately, these concerns do not have to stand in your way. Most addiction treatment services and programs are completely confidential and hold your privacy as a top priority.

Keep reading to learn more about how you can find confidential addiction help, or call the Find Addiction Rehabs free and confidential addiction hotline today to find treatment facilities and local resources to help you overcome your drug or alcohol abuse today!

Is Going to Rehab Kept Private and Confidential?

When struggling with substance use disorders, many people may not want their friends, employers, or family members to know that they are getting treatment. There is often quite a bit of stigma surrounding drug addiction, even for those who are trying to get assistance to overcome these conditions.

What you must first understand is that there is no need to feel ashamed if you have become addicted to drugs or alcohol. Addiction is becoming more and more commonly recognized as a disease, rather than something caused by poor judgment or morals.

If you or your loved one is struggling with substance abuse, understand that you are not alone, and help is available. There are many confidential alcohol and drug rehab programs available to help those struggling with a substance addiction overcome their conditions and take back control of their lives.

You can seek out the help you need knowing that there are several laws and regulations in place to protect your personal health information – including any time spent in a drug or alcohol rehab program.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accessibility Act

The Health Insurance Portability and Accessibility Act (HIPAA) is a federal law put into place to help protect the privacy of patient’s health information. This means that, without their written consent, their information cannot be shared.

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued HIPAA to address concerns over the sharing of confidential information regarding peoples’ medical histories and treatment needs.

What Substance Abuse Treatment Programs are Protected By HIPAA?

Now that you know what HIPAA is, you may be wondering what specific information is protected and how you may benefit from this. Personal health information includes any specific or general information that has been recorded either orally, electronically, or in writing which:

• Was created or received by your healthcare provider, health plan, public authority, employer, life insurer, academic organization, or health care clearinghouse.
• Is related to past, present, or future diagnoses of a mental/physical health condition, healthcare services received, or payments made for these services.

 

It is important to keep in mind that the intersection of employee assistance program procedures may have some exceptions to these privacy rules. You will need to make sure to research your EAP’s confidentiality guidelines before seeking assistance.

Recognizing the Signs of Drug and Alcohol Abuse

It can be hard to recognize that you or a loved one has been abusing drugs or alcohol. The realization that you may have a problem can cause emotional distress and bring up feelings of shame or guilt.

But recognizing that you have a problem will be the first and most important step for you to be able to get the help you need. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of a substance addiction include:

• Using a substance more often or for longer than intended
• Spending large amounts of time and money using a substance
• Neglecting responsibilities and previously enjoyable activities
• Experiencing breakdowns in important relationships
• Continuing to abuse a substance despite this causing or worsening other physical/mental health problems
• Developing withdrawal symptoms when stopping use of a substance

 

If you recognize any of these signs or behaviors in yourself or a loved one, then it may be time to get help. There are several toll-free substance abuse hotlines available to help you discuss your treatment options. Call the Find Addiction Rehabs hotline today to get answers to all of your recovery questions!

Seeking Treatment for Drug and Alcohol Addiction

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) states that a comprehensive treatment approach is best for ensuring those struggling with addiction have a successful recovery process.

There are several levels of care that a person may choose to seek out when looking for recovery support and treatment services, including:

• Medical detox programs
• Inpatient/residential treatment
• Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
• Standard outpatient treatment
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Behavioral therapies
• Mental health counseling services
• Recovery & sober support groups
• Addiction education & relapse prevention services

Frequently Asked Questions on Getting Help in Confidence

Why Do People Want to Keep Rehab Private?

Whether keeping this information secret from one’s friends, parents, families, employers, or any other party, there are many reasons why someone may not want to share that they are seeking treatment for a substance addiction. Some of the most common reasons for maintaining confidentiality in regards to rehab records include:

• Wanting to avoid negative stigma and judgment from others for seeking out addiction treatment
• Wanting to avoid repercussions from their employment, or facing repercussions for their history of substance abuse when applying for future jobs.
• Wanting to avoid having their history of addiction and/or treatment put on their permanent record.

No matter what your reason may be for wanting to keep your information private, knowing that there are protections in place to help keep your information secure can help ease any anxieties or hesitations you may have towards getting help and finally give yourself the chance to treat and overcome your addiction.

What Rehab Services are Private?

As with the rest of your personal health information, any type of treatment received at an addiction rehab center will be kept private and protected through HIPAA.

The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) was also put in place to protect those dealing with domestic or criminal proceedings while getting help for an addiction, due to concerns over this acting as a barrier to treatment.

The only people who will be able to access your health information will be your treatment providers and an insurance company. This information will not be allowed to be disclosed to other clients, or anyone else outside of your treatment setting, including a family member, employer, or spouse.

When Can Rehab Records Be Examined Legally?

This information can only be shared under the circumstance that:

• You have written your consent for the release of this information to other organizations or entities.
• A court order has been issued for the release of this information.
• This information is being shared with medical personnel due to a medical emergency.
• The information is being shared for research, evaluation, or auditing purposes.

 

Unless being released for the above listed purposes, your information should be kept private and secured. If you suspect that your privacy has been violated for any reason, whether by your rehab facility or any other healthcare setting, this is a crime. Any suspected violations should be reported immediately to the appropriate authorities in accordance with these regulations.

In most cases, your treatment team will walk you through your rights and protections during the admissions process into a rehab center. This may include signing paperwork stating that you have read and understood your privacy rights in accordance with HIPAA and your rehab facility.

Are There Exceptions to What Information is Protected By HIPAA?

Generally, your health records cannot be distributed unless you have given your explicit consent. With that being said, there are some exceptions to this rule. This information can be shared with covered entities for extenuating circumstances, such as when:

• Submitting a claim to your insurance company or health plan.
• Sending information to clearing houses that handle certain healthcare transactions.
• Sharing medical information with health care providers & business associates.

 

It is important to review any paperwork received while receiving treatment for any medical condition, addiction-related or otherwise, so that you understand exactly what information may or may not be protected and confidential.

Call Our 24/7 Private Drug Abuse Hotline Today!

The Find Addiction Rehabs addiction hotline offers recovery information and addresses concerns for anyone looking to start their addiction treatment process. Our hotline is not just an information service, but a resource to help those struggling with substance abuse find effective and confidential rehab programs nationwide.

Contact our 24/7 helpline now, and we can help you verify your insurance coverage, discuss payment options for treatment, and help you take the first step on your path to recovery and becoming sober, today!

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