Curious -- Will I be in legal trouble if I tell a doctor that I've taken my sister's pain pills?

[pandas42]

This may be a stupid question, but I need to know...  If I were to go to my doctor for help with getting off of hydrocodone and have to tell her that it's my sister's pain meds that I've been taking...
1)  Is she (the doctor) required to report me for having possession of a narcotic not prescribed to me?
2)  If so, would this result in jail or what?
3)  If she finds out that my sister gave me SOME of the meds, would my sister also be in trouble?

I feel like I desperately need help, but I'm terrified of telling anyone!

[grncandy]

The docter is supposed keep things confidential. I do not think you should be worried about the "legal" issues as much as coming clean with yous sister. Trust me I have gotten my moms lorcet prescrition filled 3 times. No one ever asked any questions. But when my mom found out she was very disapointed.

[worried878]

you really do not need to say all that...just say that you think you have a problem with narcotics...keep posting

[cathy5841]

worried is right, the dr will not need to know all the details.  the dr ask just say you got them off the street, or say you dont want to say.  you are protected by heppa laws where the dr is concerned, i dont think they would turn you in after all you are there asking for help.  dont worry about all that just get some help.  good luck
cathy

[usarmymedic1]

hippa is for patient information as an EMT we are required to report any drug users that we pick up there are a few others that have to be reported also but that not here or there. BUT the Dr has the right as long as you are asking for help off to keep it the them self. HIPPA is more of a law to keep records of patients out of the hands of people that are not legally atherized to see them

[johnnykelly]

Hi Hon,I wouldnt go opening Pandoras Box as the saying goes.If the dr. in question holds you and your family in some esteem,then this disclosure at the worst will not due you in my opinion any good.You in saying that will be disclosing that you are a thief and some disclosures are once made,cant be taken back.Remember this will be coming out of your mouth,and cant at a latter date be denied or justified.Its like me telling you i lied and stole and deceived.Not cool!!! Like others have said,dont it will be regretted on more than one account.I had a friend in A.A. that told his various drs. that he lied and cheated them,and two years later he re-lapsed and came to my door looking for some valium as he needed help,I said go to your dr.,he will help you,my friend said he did and was told he was not to return to that office,as the dr. didnt appreciate being lied to and stolen from..Get yourself help but, pleasr be careful.I understand but,the average joe doesant,They dont think much of addicts to begin with.Cheers john

[pandas42]

Thanks everybody for your input. I guess I'm just afraid my doctor will ask me where I got the painkillers since she did not prescribe them. I wouldn't offer the info to her otherwise.